“Big emotions, fiery derbies”: Schalke legend Mike Büskens' BVB prediction | OneFootball

This season, the time has finally come again: Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund will face each other in the Bundesliga. One man who put his body on the line in 16 Revierderby matches is Mike Büskens (58).

In Germany’s top flight, he played a total of 15 duels against BVB with S04. Büskens left the pitch as a winner in royal blue only three times. By contrast, he had to accept five defeats in Schalke colors. The second-round clash in the 1998/99 DFB-Pokal was also won by the black-and-yellows. In the 98th minute, Bachirou Salou (now 55) scored the goal of the day.

The two Ruhr clubs will meet on matchday 12. The first clash between blue-and-white and black-and-yellow will take place at the Veltins-Arena. Speaking to Reviersport, Büskens is already looking forward to the match. After all, the encounter contains everything “that makes the Bundesliga what it is,” the former pro says: “full stadiums, great emotions, heated derbies, and lots of exciting stories – especially here in the Ruhr area.”

FC Bayern title favorites

“The clear favorite” for the championship is FC Bayern Munich, Büskens predicts, but BVB must also “have the ambition to challenge for titles and, in the best-case scenario, win one.” Since the path in the Bundesliga is blocked by the club from Säbener Straße, “the shortest route […] is via the DFB-Pokal.” He says he is “excited” to see how the team coached by head coach Niko Kovac (54) develops, says the 58-year-old.

Photo: Getty Images

Even if this season once again only ends in the runners-up spot, “you shouldn’t downplay second place,” Büskens insists. “Given FC Bayern’s dominance, finishing as runners-up is a strong achievement – even if it sometimes feels like a disappointment to many officials or fans.” Because: “Anyone pursuing big goals is ultimately judged by titles.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.