Stevens predicts tough Frankfurt tussle

Huub Stevens expects a tight contest when his Schalke side host Frankfurt on Saturday, a battle between second and third in the Bundesliga.

Just one goal separates the two sides on the table with third-placed Frankfurt, who have been the surprise team of the league after returning to the top flight at the start of the campaign, snapping a three-game winless streak courtesy of a 4-2 victory over Augsburg last week.

Despite enjoying a great run of form in the Champions League, Schalke have endured an indifferent run of results in the Bundesliga of late, picking up just three points from their last three league games and coach Huub Stevens is anticipating a tough game this weekend.

“Frankfurt plays very courageously, with a lot pressure when they attack,” he said.

“Through that they put their opponent under pressure and it is amazing how they do it. But we need to focus on our quality, that won’t be easy because they had a whole week to prepare for that match. We had a match on Wednesday, so we need to see and hope that our team is in good shape.

“We saw how difficult it was for Bayern Munich to play against Frankfurt and it won’t be easy for us too but we hope to get something out of the game, with our fans in the back.

Stevens was also unimpressed with the media’s coverage of their lack of wins, insisting their recent poor form is no cause for concern for his side.

“I always said that this is just a blip in form,” he said.

“We consider the results at the end of the season and not after a few games. You shouldn’t do that. It’s always interesting for the media. For me as a coach or my players it’s not important, because we look to the future.”