Security foremost on mind as Bundesliga resumes after scare
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) - The Bundesliga is finding it hard to return to business as usual, with two terrorist scares in the past week involving its players.
Germany was playing France in a friendly during Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris that included suicide bombers blowing themselves up outside the stadium. Then the friendly against the Netherlands on Tuesday was canceled at short notice because of what authorities say was a very specific threat of an attack targeting the stadium.
With the entire country jittery, and government officials warning about a long-term terrorist threat, the Bundesliga is going ahead with matches as scheduled.
Clubs are consulting with authorities and stepping up security measures, without giving many details. But there will be more security personnel and closer inspections at the gates. Bayern Munich has warned fans about waiting longer to get into stadiums.
League officials have also warned fans against bringing in fireworks and firecrackers, fearing that any bang could trigger a panic and stampede. Although officially banned, pyrotechnic gadgets are not uncommon at Bundesliga matches.
Schalke boss Clemens Toennis said gate controls will have to be stepped up with body scanners, such as used at airports.
"But the fans will have to do their part as well, they will have to be vigilant outside and inside the stadiums," Toennis told Bild newspaper.
Schalke hosts leader Bayern Munich in the top match on Saturday.
Here are some things to know about the Bundesliga weekend:
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NO THIAGO FOR BAYERN: Bayern will be without midfielder Thiago Alcantara, one of coach Pep Guardiola's favorite players, for the trip to Schalke
Thiago returned from international duty with Spain with a knee injury, and will be out for about a month. Bayern says the injury is not related to a previous right knee problem that sidelined Thiago for a year. Thiago was one of Bayern's best players in recent matches, and has seven assists this season.
SCHALKE'S SLUMP: Schalke has fallen 14 points behind Bayern and is winless in its last six matches. To start winning again, Schalke needs striker Franco di Santo to start scoring. The new arrival from Werder Bremen is scoreless in all 12 previous appearances.
Germany defender and Schalke captain Benedikt Hoewedes is back from a broken hand but is not certain to play yet.
It remains to be seen whether midfielder Pierre-Emile Hoejbjerg will be given a chance against Bayern, the club that sent him to Schalke on loan. So far, Hoejbjerg has played a minor role.
HAMBURG HOPES: Hamburger SV appears to be on the recovery with seven points from the last three matches. It hosts Borussia Dortmund on Friday hoping to extend its good record against the second-place team.
Dortmund's last win in Hamburg was in 2012, and since then Hamburg has either won or drawn, even when it was fighting against relegation and going through major slumps.
Dortmund is five points behind Bayern, and it was in top form before the international break. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tops the Bundesliga with 14 goals, and has been one of the season's top stars.
It will be the opening match of the 13th round.
WOLFSBURG'S GAP: Wolfsburg is third, but it is already 13 points behind Bayern after losing 2-0 at Mainz in the previous round.
Coach Dieter Hecking had plenty of criticism for his players after that match. Managing director Klaus Allofs said, "We have a realistic evaluation of our players and there is definitely room to improve."
Hecking at least has history on his side going into the match against Werder Bremen - Bremen's last win in Wolfsburg was five years ago. Hecking has won all five matches against Bremen as coach of Wolfsburg.