Thomas Reis (head coach VfL Bochum 1848):

“We want to show early on who is playing at home – there are three very important points on offer,” said FCA head coach Enrico Maaßen, who reported a “very good and intense week of training”. Last week, Augsburg were defeated 5-3 by the Bundesliga leaders FC Bayern Munich, but Maaßen expects a “completely different game” against the Schalke side, who have been undefeated since the winter break (17th place, 20 points).

Recently, S04 were able to equalise twice in the Revierderby against Borussia Dortmund (2-2), and Thomas Reis’s team haven’t conceded a single goal in the last three games away from home. “He has been able to instil a good team spirit; they are very solid and defend well,” said Maaßen in praise of his fellow coach, who was not in charge of Schalke in the reverse fixture earlier in the season that FCA won 3-2.

Müller can only play golf on off days, which meant that Basti was by himself and didn’t pass up on the opportunity to banter his ex-teammate (via Tz). Basti stumbled upon a wooden figure at the golf range and decided to take a picture with it, and posted it on Instagram with the caption:

A familiar face will be pulling on a Hertha shirt once again, with Tolga Ciğerci returning to the club and signing a contract until 2024. The 30-year-old previously played for the Blue-Whites between 2013 and 2016. “In Tolga, we are getting an experienced player who is strong in the tackle, brings a fantastic mentality and already knows the Bundesliga and also Hertha BSC. We are pleased that he will now be wearing the blue and white shirt again and will help us achieve our aim of staying in the Bundesliga,” said sporting director Benjamin Weber. The midfielder, who can play in both defensive and attacking midfield, is excited to be returning and is eager to get underway: “This club means so much to me. I’m absolutely delighted to be back. We’ll take on this challenge together,” said our new number 6.

Did you know that… …TSG love playing at home against Hertha? TSG Hoffenheim have beaten Hertha...

RBL head coach Marco Rose on the squad, Hertha BSC and the Pokal win in midweek

A mixed year in Frankfurt

Union left the Stadion An der Alten Försterei this morning for the short trip to Berlin Airport. The plane took off at around 11:45 and there followed a two-hour journey from Salzburg to Neukirchen am Großvenediger.

Former Chelsea man Tony Cascarino thinks that Kepa could have done better for the Man United equaliser.

96 minutes later, they had their answer: no! On his 09th competitive appearance for Borussia Dortmund, Alexander Meyer kept out four major chances for the opposition – the last of which came in the fifth minute of stoppage time – and played a decisive role in making it 10 wins from 10 games in 2023. The 31-year-old only found out he would be playing five minutes before kick-off – and once again completely fulfilled his coach’s expectations. “Alex has frequently shown that we can count on him,” declared Edin Terzic, adding: “He was very calm and made a few really good saves towards the end.”