By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, March 10 (Xinhua) -- For a good reason, Sebastien Haller regards himself as a derby expert.
Ahead of the duel in the national league between FC Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund this Saturday evening, the 28-year-old's analysis couldn't be more striking.
"The table standings are meaningless. First or last, forget about that. This game is always different," the Black and Yellow striker said.
Derbies of that kind, the Cote d'Ivoire international is claiming: "are only about the stronger will wanting to win this game; everything else around is forgotten."
His year in the shirt of Ajax having to cross swords with rival Feyenoord seems to have taught the attacker the knowledge of what is ahead when the BVB faces the Royal Blues in the Bundesliga.
The outside world is closed off, Haller adds, as the players' perception in his perspective ends at the white lines defining the pitch.
Statistics might speak in favor of the BVB as their victory record of 37-32 tells the story at least to some extent.
In the spring of 2023, Schalke and Dortmund stand for the German national league's only undefeated teams after this year's winter break.
Dortmund's six victories might shine brighter but the enthusiasm around Schalke couldn't be greater after the team regained contact with survival spots and feels rescue from relegation has surprisingly come within reach.
Schalke defender Moritz Jenz spoke about the country's "biggest game possible."
The 23-year-old expects an aggressive, emotional, and hard duel witnessed by the crowd in a sold-out arena and millions of fans in front of their television sets.
Schalke might count on the advantage to meet an opponent having to deal with a disappointing Champions League exit and the loss of some of his most successful strikers such as Julian Brandt, Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko.
More spectators, more security forces, and the prohibition of alcohol in and around the arena give additional proof of the encounter's explosive nature.
Local police wrote an open letter to supporters of both sides to stay calm despite the issue's relevance.
Growing tensions seem to take hold of all involved as Schalke' Rodrigo Salazar is reporting.
The Uruguayan-Spanish midfielder is talking about feeling "inner tension grows every day. It's incredible, it comes if you want or not," the 23-year-old said.
To enter the pitch in the best shape the young father leaves the family sleeping room to secure uninterrupted night rest two days before kick-off.
"Being a father can be more challenging than doing daily football training," he said with a wink in his eye.
Schalke coach Thomas Reis remembered his side how much things have changed. "A few weeks ago, people spoke about of how clear the result might be in favor of Dortmund. Now nobody can tell," Reis said and praises the Royal Blues' newly grown determination. ■
