Derbies do not leave Pavel Dotchev cold

Even at almost 60 years of age and with the experience of many coaching positions, Pavel Dotchev is no stranger to derbies. And after the 3-2 win at Hallescher FC, the FC Erzgebirge Aue coach will get them twice. On Sunday (4.30pm/Magentasport), the Veilchen welcome second-placed Dynamo Dresden for the Saxony derby. "These are all very special games, not just for the club and the fans, but for the whole region. It doesn't matter where you are. The table doesn't matter," said the 58-year-old.

After Dresden's 7:2 win over Lübeck, it was immensely important for Aue to win in Halle. "A defeat would have been a real handicap. This win gives us a lot of confidence," said Dotchev. The Bulgarian should be particularly pleased with his team's performance in the second half, when the Erzgebirge side took control of the game and dominated it.

Niko Vukancic will definitely be missing from the derby. The central defender suffered a shoulder injury. Further examinations must determine whether it is a collarbone fracture or even an acromioclavicular joint fracture. In any case, he will be out for several weeks. "The price for the win was very high," said Dotchev. In Halle, Erik Majetschak came on as a substitute for Vukancic.

Aue are six points behind third place in the relegation places. Perhaps there is still room for improvement, the team has the necessary attitude. They fell behind twice in Halle but still won. "Coming back twice and turning the game on its side shows that we're solid as a team," said defender Tim Danhof.

And they also claimed their first win in Halle in 36 years, since March 13, 1988. "That's historic," said captain Martin Männel, looking at his own passport: "That was before I was born." More precisely, three days before Männel was born.