Although they finished runners-up to Bayern Munich in 2025/26, Dortmund’s 73-point haul still ranks as the fifth-best Bundesliga campaign in the club’s history - an impressive return, but one that has done little to satisfy the standards inside at Signal Iduna Park.
The need to stay fully switched on has only intensified with Schalke’s top-flight return. After three seasons in Bundesliga 2, the Royal Blues stormed back as champions, restoring the Revierderby to the Bundesliga calendar.
With bragging rights, local pride and regional supremacy back on the line, Dortmund know this summer is about far more than merely keeping pace with record champions Bayern.
Speaking to outlet SPORT BILD on Schalke’s promotion-winning exploits, Ricken admitted: "I wasn’t sitting in front of the TV anxiously crossing my fingers, but we’ll look forward to the derbies. Their promotion has an effect […] It’s very good for the Bundesliga that Schalke are back."
Watch: Resurgent Schalke back where they belong
