Domenico Tedesco: No underdog, no favourite

The head coach realises that the opponents have made a very strong start to the season. However, the coach also knows that “in a derby, the actual position in the table is not important. There is no underdog and no favourite.” What’s important is that his team go into the game confident and do not hide. “Against Hoffenheim recently, except for the first few minutes, we played well. We deservedly took a point and the three points was possible,” he said.

100% concentration and motivation

Domenico Tedesco does not want to give away his game plan before the game. “It is not necessary,” said the 33-year-old. “The team is highly motivated and have been very focussed during training.” The coach emphasised that the team go into every game with 100% concentration. “I don’t agree with people who say that we have to demand more for the derby game. We want to give our all in every game that we play.” The coach also knows that there will be a special atmosphere when BVB come to the Veltins-Arena. “I am so excited for it,” said Tedesco.

Tedesco has already experienced two Revierderbies and is still unbeaten. In the home game last year, Schalke went in at half-time 4-0 down but were able to come away with a point after securing an amazing 4-4 draw. The second meeting between the two teams saw Schalke win 2-0 in Dortmund. “These memories are very nice,” said Tedesco. “But the past means nothing. It is about the present.”

This is backed up by the fact the teams of both teams are very different compared to last season. “We have had a few additions, a few retirements. They have too. In addition, there has been a change of coach in Dortmund. The teams are completely different and they are much improved,” said Tedesco.

Offensive trio out

Franco Di Santo, Breel Embolo and Mark Uth are all out of the game. “All other players, even those you are doubts are working together with the medical department so that they will be available for the derby,“ said the sporting director Axel Schuster.