Hamburg - Things will finally get underway on Saturday (21.08.10 at 18.15 CET via live ticker). The first opponents in the 2010/11 season are none other than Schalke 04 and the excitement is growing from day to day, not just in the team but from the media as well. The press room in the Imtech Arena was bursting at the seams on Thursday (19.08.10) as trainer Armin Veh and new captain Heiko Westermann entered to talk about the Schalke game 
 
"We just can't wait to get started now" said Veh. "Hamburg and Schalke are two top teams full of traditional that have always been on a level playing field. The fact that we are playing on saturday evening makes it all the more special. It really is going to be a top game". Schalke  are one of the favourites for the title in Veh's opinion, and he had this to say about his opponents. "they will be wanting to go one better this season after finishing second last time out and perhaps they will strengthen their squad with a few more players too. I want to win every game, the one this weekend included". The trainer will have to try and achieve this without Dennis Aogo however, the German international is still not fit after his back troubles. A big question mark still lingers over the fitness of Piotr trochowski as well. "Troche will probably not be fit in time" said Veh. There may also be big players missing for Schalke as well this weekend with Metzelder struggling for fitness but his opposite number on the other hand is raring to play against his old team. "We are playing at home, its our first game after a long pre-season and were looking forward to it immensely. We want to make sure the first three points stay with us in the stadium." said Westermann. 
 
Westermann also has another reason to celebrate after his summer spent injured. "It is great to finally be able to play again, I am looking forward to a successful season with Hamburg and with a new set of players" said Westermann in conclusion.