Klose before the Derby: Nuremberg doesn't want to give anything away – Fürth urgently needs points

Ahead of the Franconian derby on Sunday (1:30 p.m.), it's not just about the next prestigious regional match for 1. FC Nuremberg, but also about continuing a remarkable streak under Miroslav Klose. On the other side, SpVgg Greuther Fürth is traveling under acute pressure: after the 1:2 in Bochum, the team is back in a direct relegation spot. Additionally, it remains unclear whether top scorer Mohamed Alì Zoma will be fit in time to play.

Klose wants to continue the derby streak

Miroslav Klose goes into the next neighborhood duel with a clear derby record. Under his leadership, the previous results have been 4:0, 3:0, and 2:2 – that makes seven points and 9:2 goals.

Klose is not making the fourth derby a feel-good appointment, but a demand: "We won't give anything away. There are still nine points up for grabs and accordingly, we are focusing on ourselves. We want to go our way, take our steps. It's in our own hands."

In sporting terms, the starting position at FCN is comparatively stable. After the 1:0 against Magdeburg, Nuremberg can plan for another year in the 2nd division – without the immediate existential pressure that often adds extra spice to derbies.

But Klose emphasizes the special intensity of the duel. His wish also looks to the coming season: "I've already played three derbies. If you ask me for a wish, I'll tell you, I'd like to play two derbies again next year, because this duel is so important for the region. I know how everyone gets excited about it. Without this game, I would miss something." This can also be understood as a dig at the rival's situation: Fürth needs points to even stay within reach of another derby year.

Fürth under pressure in the relegation battle

For Greuther Fürth, the situation before kickoff is much more acute. The defeat in Bochum has pushed the team back into a direct relegation spot. Another loss would not only hurt because it's a derby – it could increase the gap to a non-relegation spot to four points. In this constellation, the Franconian derby becomes a game with two levels: Nuremberg can play relatively freely, Fürth needs points to stay in the league.

This can also affect the dynamics of the match. Being under pressure in the table doesn't automatically mean playing more defensively – but often with less tolerance for mistakes. Especially in derbies, where emotion and pace are high, this can lead to a fine line: Fürth has to take risks, but can't afford early mistakes.

Zoma remains the open personnel question

A decisive factor for Fürth's attacking power could remain open until shortly before kickoff: Mohamed Alì Zoma. The 22-year-old has eleven goals this season and is thus one of the key figures in Fürth's attack. After his muscle injury around the 1:1 against Bielefeld, he has not yet returned to team training and is still following an individual program.

Klose still leaves the door open for a late comeback: "Mohamed Zoma is continuing his individual program, which is being increased every day. We still have a few days until Sunday. Let's see if he makes it." The reference to daily increases shows that Fürth (and the coaching staff) apparently don't want to force anything: especially after muscle injuries, a return is often tied to load management – returning to full training too early can increase the risk of relapse. For Fürth, this means: even if Zoma is on the match sheet, it's not automatically clear whether he can handle the intensity of a derby for a longer period.

The duel is being given high importance in Fürth. Koudossou called it "the most important game of the season." That matches the mood: Nuremberg wants to extend its derby streak and confirm its own path – Fürth needs points to avoid making the relegation battle even tougher. And above all is the question of whether Zoma will be fit in time to make a sporting difference.