Passlack: I Would Say It's One Of The Biggest Games Of The Season

Felix Passlack knows a thing or two about being involved in the biggest derbies in Europe, and ahead of Sunday’s big game against Hearts, he reflected on his derby day memories.

When it comes to cross-city rivalries, there are few that can match the Revierderby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke for the sheer magnitude of the two clubs involved.

Born and raised in Bottrop, Passlack grew up supporting Schalke, who are based in nearby Gelsenkirchen, yet made his first-team breakthrough at Borussia Dortmund, where he made 55 appearances and featured in two fixtures against his boyhood club in front of no less than 82,000 people. 

“They are always tight games, always a big atmosphere and big energy in the stadiums, so it's important to fight first and then to play football and just put everything on the pitch that you can,” said Passlack.

“My family are all Schalke supporters, so it meant a lot to me to play against them, but obviously I want to win these games. I think my dad couldn't understand it. He never told me that, but I could see it in his face!

“But for me it was the right decision.

“I would say it's one of the biggest in the world, especially in Germany, probably the biggest one. I think they're just 35 kilometres away from each other, so it's always a good derby.

“I played twice in the Revierderby, and both were draws. Of course, there's a bit of nervousness playing in front of 82,000 people, but I switched that into energy.”

The German defender then spent almost three years at VfL Bochum, and watched our 3-2 victory over Hearts in December from the Easter Road stands before finalising his move to the Hibees in February.

That was the moment our No25 knew he made the right decision to join Head Coach David Gray’s side.

He added: “I was here for the derby in December. We won the game 3-2, and the fans singing Sunshine on Leith after the game was impressive, so that was an extra push for me.”

Passlack made his second appearance for the Hibees in the 1-0 defeat at Tynecastle in February, but is relishing the prospect of Sunday’s derby with Hearts at a sold-out Easter Road.

“I think overall we played a good game [at Tynecastle],” said Passlack.

“First of all, you have to bring energy on the pitch. You have to accept the fight, and from there on you can play football. I think that, especially on Sunday, it's important that we do that against Hearts.

“I would say it's one of the biggest games of the season.

“We have to look after ourselves. That's most important. We also have targets this season, so we have to play our game and win the game.”