GERMANY: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - Schalke 04 positive ahead of Champions League qualifier against Atletico Madrid

Record ID: 777888

  • Title: GERMANY: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - Schalke 04 positive ahead of Champions League qualifier against Atletico Madrid
  • Date: 14th August 2008
  • Summary: SCHALKE 04 COACH FRED RUTTEN AND MIDFIELDER FABIAN ERNST WALKING TO TABLE (SOUNDBITE) (German) FABIAN ERNST, SCHALKE 04 MIDFIELDER, SAYING OF ATLETICO MADRID: "I think it is quite an equal duel. They will be a strong opponent. Nevertheless I think that we will qualify for the Champions League. I think that tomorrow the stress and concentration will be at the highest level. I think that, as a team, we need to perform well. I think that we can look forward to two great games"
  • Embargoed: 29th August 2008 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Germany
  • Country: Germany
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA6JIV61IYL75MZEH7QI5OPWPD1
  • Story Text: The coach of German soccer team Schalke 04 says his players are well prepared to take on Atletico Madrid in their Champions League qualifying match.
    German soccer team Schalke 04 on Tuesday (August 12) geared up for their Champions League qualifying match against Atletico Madrid, putting final preparations into their game in training.
    Schalke midfielder Fabian Ernst said that although a tough game was expected, he was confident of a win at home on Wednesday (August 13).
    "I think it is quite an equal duel. They will be a strong opponent. Nevertheless I think that we will qualify for the Champions League.
    I think that tomorrow the stress and concentration will be at the highest level. I think that, as a team, we need to perform well. I think that we can look forward to two great games," Ernst told reporters in the German city of Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday.
    Team coach Fred Rutten shared his opinion, adding that the team was ready to face Atletico.
    "It is difficult to meet an opponent like this. There are always worries but they don't need to be discussed. Our goal of going forward in the next two games is more important. I don't want this to be hypothetical. I think that we are well prepared. We are physically well prepared and as Fabian said, we will have to be very concentrated tomorrow. We have respect for our opponent but I also think that our opponent has a lot of respect for Schalke, this is how it is for us both," Rutten said.
    When asked whether Georgian midfielder Levan Kobiashvili would be taking part in Wednesday's match as violence continued in his home country, Rutten said he expected the player to join his team mates on the pitch.
    "I am in contact with Kobiashvili as much as possible. If he tells me that he isn't able to concentrate one hundred percent then I will perhaps change my mind. But until now Kobi has said that he will be able to concentrate one hundred percent on the pitch," Ernst said.
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