Keller relishing all-important derby

Schalke coach Jens Keller says he is looking forward to his first derby showdown against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

Although Keller feels his players treat every game equally importantly, he conceded that there is something extra special about the match and the rivalry against regional powerhouse Dortmund.

“There is nothing bigger than this derby,” Keller told the club’s official website.

“The players are really motivated ahead of each match, but with this match they are a little bit more.

“Especially those guys who grew up here in this area, they live this derby and they infect their colleagues with their anticipation for the match. Every one of us knows about this duel’s meaning.”

Schalke won the reverse fixture 2-1 in October, and Keller is keen to keep the bragging rights for a little longer with a win on Saturday.

“We want to keep the three points with us and we want to celebrate the second victory in the derby this season,” he said.

Keller’s side have won their last two league games and are full of confidence, with the 42-year-old coach happy with both the results and the performances of late.

“Not only did we have positive results recently, we played well, too,” he said.

There are expected to be 1000 police officers at the game, following trouble between both sets of fans at the game in Dortmund earlier in the season, when over 200 arrests were made.