Fabian Ernst played for Werder Bremen between 2000 and 2005. bundesliga.de spoke to the Schalke midfielder ahead of Saturday's top clash.
bundesliga.de: Fabian Ernst, Schalke started the season with a 3-0 win over ambitious Hanover. How do you rate the result?
Fabian Ernst: It's always good to start with a win, but we mustn't overrate it. It was just the first step. Hanover surely have a good team, but we were able to show our strengths and took our chances consequently.
bundesliga.de: Were you especially motivated with both Farfan and Engelaar out injured?
Ernst: We're always motivated, and we have a big squad to cope with injuries. Every player who gets his chance wants to prove himself. That's good for the team and it shows on the pitch.
bundesliga.de: Jermaine Jones has added his name to the injuy list. How difficult is it to cope with all those drop-outs?
Ernst: Of course it's a blow that we already had so many injuries this season, but that's what we have a strong and balanced squad for. Our bad luck with injuries should come to an end at one time or another, however.
bundesliga.de: Schalke travel to Bremen on matchday 2. Werder surely want to improve after the draw in Bielefeld. What do you expect?
Ernst: The matches in Bremen are always special, not only because I played for Werder myself. Werder have been extremely strong at home in the last two seasons, but we have won there two years ago. That should also be our target for Saturday.
bundesliga.de: Claudio Pizarro has returned to Werder. You played alongside him years ago. Which role could he play for Werder?
Ernst: Claudio is a dangerous striker with a good goalscoring record. He has shown his qualities as scorer and provider for both Bremen and Bayern, and he can be important for Werder in that role.
bundesliga.de: Pizarro and a certain Fabian Ernst were on target when Werder beat Schalke 2-1 in 2001. Who will score on Saturday, and who will win?
Ernst: I never make any predictions. And I don't care who scores as long as we get the points.
Questions: Michael Reis / Translation: Christof Greiner
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