Almost a year ago, the day before the 8. November 2015, Thomas Tuchel had, by his own account, "taken the liberty of preparing for the game professionally and analytically". Nevertheless, as the game began, the full weight of those emotions which accompany a derby was felt by him, as well as a tsunami of dopamine on the blowing of the final whistle.

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Thomas Tuchel celebrates the win last year.

Borussia Dortmund won the 147th Ruhr derby 3-2. The result was close, the game a hugely entertaining spectacle in phases and a demonstration of classy football. Tuchel had basically got everything right: perfect preparation followed by intensive work on the pitch in "the German derby", as he states today: "I was standing on the touchline, and noticed that it felt different, something like a semi-final in the cup. After I had subsequently had my first cup semi-final, I knew that the derby was like a cup final. It is so much more than a normal Bundesliga game. You have got one chance, and then you have to live with the result for a year. Nobody wants to make a mistake when your opponent is desperate for victory, and we will certainly do everything we can to get the win tomorrow."

Compared with last year, a victory in this year's derby would not only deliver an intensive feeling of joy, but would also give Dortmund three invaluable points for the table. "We are not happy with recent results", confirmed the manager, who currently sees it as his task to "push the team so that they will forget about the many injuries we currently have to the squad, and to give them that certain extra something that is required to secure wins".

In their last home match, against Hertha (1-1), the third youngest team in the club's history took to the field. They will encounter "a real man's team", as Tuchel dubs the upcoming opposition with regard to their physical presence: "It is our challenge to take that on and find solutions in order to keep Schalke occupied in defensive areas, and to force our game on them."

For it is not just about the three points, but also "that incredible feeling when you are standing there next to the pitch and you win this game".
Boris Rupert

BVB total!-Video: The Complete Press Conference on the 149. Ruhr Derby with Thomas Tuchel