DORTMUND/Germany: Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller is absolutely determined to feature in Saturday’s Bundesliga derby at Schalke, saying he “would not accept” a break.
Coach Edin Terzic had said that he must slowly build up Haller’s playing time after the player’s return from testicular cancer treatment.
Haller told Sky TV in an interview published on their website late Thursday that Terzic must not decide against him on Saturday for what would be his first Ruhr derby between the two arch-rivals.
“That’s not on, I would not accept it. The coach gave me a few breaks in January, that is OK. But not in derby where you want to play, score a goal and win,” Haller insisted.
Haller said he is feeling better and better after the illness but that “it is still a long way to reach my full potential.” He has scored once since his Bundesliga return but is without a goal in his last four league matches.
Dortmund enter the game tied on points with leaders Bayern Munich after winning all eight Bundesliga games since the restart. Schalke left last place a week ago as they revived their survival hopes with an unbeaten run of six games and victories in the last two.
“When you look at the table Dortmund are the clear favourites. But we know that derbies are never about the table,” Haller said.
“It is only about this game and the rivalry. You can be first and last but this game will be different. It is not about the place in the standings, it is about willpower and who wants to win the match more.”
