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Miron Muslic: Sticking to our process instead of talking about targets
FC Schalke 04 kick off matchday 25 with a home game against Arminia Bielefeld on Friday (6/3) at 18:30 CET. At a sold-out VELTINS-Arena, Miron Muslic is expecting plenty of intensity, a compact shape and a strong mentality from the away side. “Our opponents approach games in a similar way to us. It’ll be vertical football against vertical football, pressing against counter-pressing,” predicted the 43-year-old.
The head coach’s assessment is backed up various statistics. Schalke top the league when it comes to sprints (4,067), with last season’s DFB-Pokal finalists close behind (4,028). Both sides also lead the league for high-intensity runs (Bielefeld: 17,887 / Schalke: 17,327). On top of that, DSC have covered more distance than any other team so far this season. Bielefeld’s players have clocked up 2,943.3 kilometres – around 100 more than Schalke. Both teams are also known for their threat from set pieces. “We know Arminia’s strengths – but we also know our own strengths,” said Muslic.
We know Arminia’s strengths – but we also know our own strengths.
Together with his team and the fans, Schalke’s coach is determined to bring the same intensity and energy onto the pitch that has made S04 so strong at home in recent weeks and months. “With that kind of energy and passion, it’s hard for any opponent to get anything at the VELTINS-Arena,” Muslic declared. The Royal Blues have won eight of their 11 home games so far, drawing two and losing just once.
But Muslic warned it certainly won’t be a walk in the park against Arminia. The promoted side, currently 12th on 27 points, have already taken points off several teams in top six this season. They drew 2-2 in Darmstadt and 1-1 in Berlin, and Mitch Kniat’s side beat Elversberg 2-0 at home.
“We have to be at our best in every phase of the game. If we manage that, we’ve got a good chance of taking all three points,” explained Muslic, who isn’t placing much importance on the current league positions. Muslic added: “We’re not talking about targets. We’re sticking to our process, where we hard work every day and fully focus on the next task. That’s what’s made us strong over the last eight months.”
Ayhan to replace banned Katic
Nikola Katic will miss the game against Bielefeld after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 1-1 draw in Fürth. Muslic made no secret of the fact that losing such a tough-tackling and aerially strong defender is a blow.
At the same time, he stressed that his team have repeatedly managed to cope with absences over the course of the season. Mertcan Ayhan will come in for Katic on Friday night. “He’s been outstanding when he’s played over the past few months. I’m certain he’ll put in another strong performance this time as well,” stated Muslic.
Loris Karius remains a doubt after already missing the last two matches with a back problem. The goalkeeper has only trained individually this week. “It’s not impossible that Loris will make it, but it will be very tight,” commented Muslic.
