Bochum’s Morgalla “so ready for the derby” with Schalke

Separated by just 14 kilometres, Bochum’s Morgalla is relishing a big derby weekend ahead.

“I’m so ready for the derby,” said VfL Bochum’s Leandro Morgalla ahead of Saturday’s top match of the 2.Bundesliga against Schalke 04.

The defender, who missed Bochum’s 3-1 DfB-Pokal win over BFC Dynamo with a cold, said he is well prepared for the hostile atmosphere. 

“With 1860 Munich, especially in the youth system, I’ve played a few derbies against the Reds [Bayern Munich].

In the men’s division, I also played against SpVgg Unterhaching. Derbies are always big games for me.

“I’m really looking forward to it. I’m up for it,” the 20-year-old German said, in his interview with ‘Revier Sport’. 

Aware of the 62,271 capacity crowd in Gelsenkirchen, Morgalla knows his side must hold it together in an intimidating environment.

“It will be important that we are there from the first second. The stadium is huge and well-packed with Schalke fans.

“We have to bring our game onto the pitch from the first minute, be willing to fight and play with passion,” he explained. 

Looking for a second win in three league games, Bochum face off against the Royal Blues at 8.30pm (CET) Saturday, 23 August.