The Royal Blues were fortunate to stay at the top of the standings following the 2-1 loss as Werder Bremen also suffered a surprise defeat at lowly Arminia Bielefeld.

And with three matches remaining, Slomka is keen to keep second-placed Stuttgart and Werder at bay, with just two points separating the top three.

"We have been leading the league since round 20 and feel very comfortable in this position," Slomka said.

"We have to take care of business now. We won´t be as fortunate as last weekend again."

Slomka admitted he was angry with his players after the Bochum result.

"I've found some clear words for one player or another," he added. "It is not enough just to be present on the pitch."

Slomka will be without Peter Lovenkrands (ankle) and Mladen Krstajic (thigh) for Saturday's home game against high-flying Nurnberg, which will also be a battle of the league's two best defences.

Both sides have conceded just 29 goals so far in the competition.

"We need to be patient and must not get het up," Slomka said. "We have to play confidently."

Fifth-placed Nurnberg have been the surprise package of the season. They not only occupy a UEFA Cup spot but have also secured a place in the final of the DFB-Pokal.

Coach Hans Meyer is hoping to keep that success going at the Veltins Arena.

"We are fully concentrated ahead of this match," he said.

"We don't want to destroy everything in the last three matches. Psychologically that would not be very positive for the cup final (on May 26)."

Meyer welcomes back influential holding midfielder Tomas Galasek following a one- match ban, while Dominik Reinhard is expected to be on the bench after recovering from injury.

Jan Kristiansen (flu), Robert Vittek (unfit), Leon Benko (knee), Vratislav Gresko (unfit) and Jaouhar Mnari (knee) are all absent for the visitors.