Ralf Fährmann: I’ve sent a few derby videos to the team’s group chat

That game on 13th September 2008, which Ralf Fährmann started in place of an injured Manuel Neuer, ended 3-3 in Dortmund. Despite conceding three goals, the then-Germany youth keeper impressed on his maiden Bundesliga outing and earned a lot of praise for his performance.

Another unforgettable clash was the ‘derby of the century’ in November 2017. That day, the Royal Blues came from 4-0 down at half time to salvage a point. The 2011 DFL-Supercup final was also another highlight, with Fährmann, who was playing his first competitive game for the club since returning from Frankfurt, saving penalties from Ivan Perisic and Kevin Großkreutz to secure Schalke the win in the shootout.

“Derbies are always really special games, where anything can happen. These matches have their own rules,” said Fährmann. According to Schalke’s number one, this game lives off emotions more than most. The goalkeeper also revealed how he has been getting his teammates up for the game: “I’ve sent a few derby videos to the team’s group chat to get the lads pumped up.”

The players believe in survival

Additional motivation ahead of this game, however, shouldn’t be necessary, according to Fährmann. “We all know how important the derby is,” he added. Although a derby win isn’t worth more points, Fährmann feels it could be an additional push for the rest of the season. On top of that, the fans “deserve a derby win.”

Despite the nine-point gap between Schalke and safety, Fährmann and his teammates still believe they can avoid the drop. “We’ve got 13 games to go. Obviously I know what the table looks like, but we’re taking it one game at a time and just giving our best,” said the keeper.