Pre-Match Report
U19s set for derby visit to Schalke
The derby has actually come too soon for Mike Tullberg's boys, who are only just starting to get to grips with the athletic nature of U19 football. Because FC Schalke 04, who strengthened by making seven external signings over the summer break and made a statement in pre-season by claiming victory at the high-quality "Bundesliga Cup" in Schwäbisch Hall, are among the top favourites in the DFB-Pokal and the DFB-Nachwuchsliga.
Coach Norbert Elgert's team will not start their league campaign until this weekend, however, because their match at Fortuna Düsseldorf, which was scheduled to take place last Sunday, was postponed due to the tragic accidental death of a Düsseldorf youth player. Schalke played a friendly instead and ran out 4-0 victors against the SC Verl U23s.
For their part, Borussia surprised Essen with a remarkable footballing performance and confirmed the verdict issued by their coach, who had spoken of their "extraordinary talent". Taycan Etcibasi, one of their key performers, was still absent for that game. Tullberg is hoping to be able to call upon the attacking player, who moved to BVB from FC Schalke 04 in the winter. The injured Nico Adamczyk remains sidelined.
Tullberg: "Adapt result expectations"
Almugera Kabar, who wore the captain's armband, will probably only be available to Mike Tullberg in exceptional circumstances. Like Kjell Wätjen und Paris Brunner, the left-back and U17 World Cup winner is a permanent member of the first-team squad. Cole Campbell has also played himself into the spotlight at the first-team training camp. "The fact that four current U19 players are part of the first-team set-up is not a matter of course. It attests to the first-class work that is carried out at the Youth Performance Centre," said a delighted Mike Tullberg.
The downside of promoting the cornerstones of the team is that his side is losing quality and experience. "We need to adapt our result expectations," he said. Due to the promotions up to the first team, boys who would usually be waiting for their turn at this stage are being given the opportunity to prove themselves with the U19s – and they are taking it. One example is 15-year-old midfielder Mussa Kaba. "He is the best example," said Mike Tullberg, who is looking forward to what is consistently an explosive clash with Schalke on a sporting level. "Due to the personnel situation, we will go into the derby as outsiders this time. But we will try everything to spring a positive surprise."
(wiwi)