For all the rivalry between the two traditional Ruhr Valley clubs, which should of course only exist on the pitch, there are also real friendships, even among players. In this respect, the two Japanese players Atsuto Uchida and Shinji Kagawa act as role models ahead of the 145th Derby.

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Shinji Kagawa and Atsuto Uchida (right).

When Shinji Kagawa returned from England to the Bundesliga at the beginning of September, one man was particularly happy – Schalke 04’s Atsuto Uchida. When asked if a few days later if he had got in contact with Kagawa already, Uchida replied without hesitation: “Yesterday, the day before yesterday, three days ago and the day before that as well. We meet every day in Düsseldorf for Sushi.”

On Thursday, the two friends were not in Düsseldorf for a change. They were in Waltrop, conveniently located halfway between Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen, meeting at the industrial site of the former coal mine to take part in a TV shoot for the German Football League about the Derby.

And, of course, they also talked about football. “We are on a two-game winless run in the Bundesliga,” said Kagawa, adding: “That’s why a win at Schalke would be massive for us. A Derby victory would give us a lift for the next match at RSC Anderlecht and the upcoming games in the Bundesliga.”

Even if BVB are currently going through a bit of a dry spell after their wins against Augsburg, Freiburg and Arsenal, Kagawa is still happy to have made the move. He said, “The way I was welcomed in Dortmund was amazing. The support by the Dortmund fans is unique in football. Since I’m back, I only feel gratitude.”

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