'We have to be on our toes'

"In all the previous away matches we have set out every time to produce the performance required to get a result. Unfortunately we haven't managed it," declared Heiko Herrlich before adding: "But you have to differentiate  and you can't always make an assessment solely dependent on the result." The boss is thinking back to the matches away to Bayern Munich (1-3), FSV Mainz 05 (1-3) and Hertha Berlin (1-2) where his team had good phases in the games and were the dominant team at times. "This time we have to be fully focused for ninety minutes  and avoid making simple mistakes. That will make it possible to get one, if not three, points away from home."

Only tin Jedvaj unavailable

Herrlich credits the opponents from Gelsenkirchen with a good start to the season. At the same time, it has not escaped his attention that the team currently lying in seventh place have "tailed off somewhat" in the last few games. However, that is no reason to underestimate Schalke.  "They are incredibly strong when they win the ball. We need incredibly good cover in counter-attacks. We really need to be on our toes to deal with the high press and give nothing away. And we have to do everything possible to avoid set pieces as they have players like Naldo who are very dangerous. We have to be prepared for that."

The Werkself coach is fortunate to have all players available for the Schalke game with the exception of Tin Jedvaj (rehab after shin fracture). "We have the ability to make changes or keep things the same in every position," said Herrlich in keeping his cards close to his chest in terms of the starting eleven. It is possible there may be individual changes or another rotation – as in last weekend when he made six changes from the side that started against Hertha Berlin. Herrlich again praised the recent performance of Leon Bailey ("very good performance") and new signing Lucas Alario:  "Lucas had a great debut. I think we saw a lot of what makes him stand out as a player. Of course, we all hope he gives 100 per cent tomorrow to carry on from where he left off."

Respect for Schalke 04 Coach Tedesco

Herrlich is not just excited at the prospect of the "impressive" stage at the Schalke Arena but also in meeting up again with Dominique Tedesco: "I know him from his time as U17 coach at VfB Stuttgart when I was a youth coach at Bayer Munich. They were always tough games. He's been doing a very good job at Schalke up to now." Even more reason for the Herrlich team to put on a good display. He is certainly in confident mood. "My players are highly motivated.That's the basis for success. I'm convinced we'll pick up our first points away from home tomorrow."

The Werkself will have good support tomorrow night. Around 2,000 Bayer 04 fans will follow the team to Gelsenkirchen.