Breitenreiter unconcerned by rumours

Schalke 04 head coach Andre Breitenreiter insists recent reports of his job being in jeopardy is merely speculation by the media and is not letting it concern him.

Following the Miners' capitulation against Bremen, which saw them surrender a one-goal lead to eventually lose 3-1, media reports suggested that his job was on the line.

However, Breitenreiter has dismissed the news as speculation and is confident he has the backing of the club and his squad.

"I am not too concerned with the issue. We are not talking about criticism but about claims that have already been refuted from various sides," he told Schalke's website.

"We now have to concentrate on Darmstadt and what we didn't manage to do against Bremen - pick up three points. We want to get back on track with a win.

"The only thing missing was the goals. After the game we discussed matters in a lot of detail and now know what we have to do better at Darmstadt."

Their opponents will be full of confidence heading into the encounter, having beaten Hannover 2-1 away from home last weekend and the Schalke boss is expecting a tough match.

"Darmstadt play aggressively, passionately, have good transition play and are constantly dangerous at set plays with their tall players," he explained.

"We have to concentrate hard and also approach the game aggressively as well as showing over 90 minutes that we are the better team."