SV Elversberg host Schalke 04: a floodlit end to the year
On Friday, SV Elversberg could head into the winter break as the autumn champions of the 2. Bundesliga – and Horst Steffen is looking forward to the atmosphere.
An eventful, successful 2024 for SV Elversberg is coming to an end. But before coach Horst Steffen’s team can head off for a well-earned winter break, they have one real highlight remaining in the URSAPHARM Arena. On Friday 20 December, SV Elversberg will be facing FC Schalke 04 for a floodlight game in their home arena on Kaiserlinde. The match kicks off at 6:30 p.m.
‘We are really looking forward to an exciting duel’, coach Horst Steffen said with optimism and anticipation.
This should of course be a wonderful end to the year – we want to play a great game on our home turf in a great atmosphere, to gain some points at home.
Horst Steffen
However, the task that Elversberg are facing is not an easy one. FC Schalke 04 have found their form in recent weeks and come back with some strong performances. Steffen also understands this: ‘We are facing a very good opponent. Schalke are currently working hard on the pitch. They have good defensive and offensive procedures, and plenty of pace in their game.’
The Schalke team recently showcased their quality: they gained a convincing 4:2 win over then table leaders SC Paderborn 07. A win was also well within reach in their home game against Fortuna Düsseldorf (1:1) and would have been well-deserved based on their performance. ‘In any case, we need to defend well and be very organised’, Steffen warned before the match. ‘I am convinced that Friday will be an intense game. It will be a hard fight – and one that we are looking forward to.’
There is pleasing news from the Elversberg squad: both Arne Sicker and Mohammad Mahmoud, who have been out with injuries, are back in training and are expected to be available for the match.
On the other side, Schalke’s coach Kees van Wonderen has clear respect for the leading league team. In a press conference before the match, he praised SVE‘s development but also the team themselves: ‘This is once again a key match against the table leaders, who have a good team. For us, our performances in recent weeks will form the foundation for the results we achieve. We want to keep this up.’’
Van Wonderen also emphasised that despite missing a few players such as Tobias Mohr, Amin Younes and Mauro Zalazar, his team had the confidence they needed from their recent games: ‘We were challenged to show where we stood. Our performances were decent. We can take this confidence forward and show it in Elversberg.’
The Schalke coach is particularly impressed with SVE‘s consistency: ‘They do not have the same opportunities that others do, but they are still top of the table. They have creative players and have won four out of their last five matches. And they don’t panic when they lose.’
SV Elversberg have in fact enjoyed an impressive success story in recent weeks and months. With stable defence and efficient attacking, the team are now at the top of the table after 16 days of play. If they win against Schalke on Friday they will secure the title of autumn champion.
However, Horst Steffen does not set great store by this title. Instead, it is much more important to him that his team stick to their style of play and showcase attractive football. This modesty is what has made SVE the team they are today.
Schalke legend Mike Büskens also recently touched on the Saarland team’s exceptional development: ‘Lately, there has always been at least one team that have been at the top right to the end but flew under the radar beforehand. This time it could be Elversberg, which would be very exciting if it happens. Their development is sensational.’
This time it could be Elversberg, which would be very exciting if it happens. Their development is sensational.
Mike Büskens
However, Büskens remains realistic: ‘I am excited to see what happens if they are still there on the 26th or 27th day of play and start to feel they have something to lose. Then the pressure will grow and it will become clear how stable the club is.’
However, all of these considerations are still just future dreams in terms of SVE‘s long-term prospects. Their current focus is on their match against Schalke 04. ‘We want to make a success of Friday’, Steffen emphasised. The atmosphere on Kaiserlinde, two ambitious teams facing off, and a battle for vital points – all of this promises a football fest that will round out 2024 in very special style.
Whether or not Elversberg will secure the win and the autumn champion title remains to be seen. But one thing is certain; SVE have impressed this year with strong performances, but have also established themselves as a team that will fight for every point with passion and commitment – a real figurehead for Saarland football.