Michael Zorc: 'A derby without spectators hurts your heart to think about'
"A derby without spectators hurts your heart to think about. We will need a higher level of self-motivation," the BVB boss told reporters on Thursday before urging all fans to stay away from the stadium:
"Everyone should watch the match at home, it's very important for the restart of the league."
Schalke 04 coach David Wagner believes it's an advantage for his team that they have a derby – and not just any match – coming up.
"The lads have behaved in an exemplary manner recently. It's an extremely tough situation for us all - both privately and professionally. It's been tough going, but the lads have made the best of this situation," Wagner said at the pre-match press conference, as cited by the club.
"One huge advantage is that we aren't just playing any old match, but rather the derby! Even though the fans can't be with us in the stadium, I know that they will be fully backing us," he added.