Miron Muslic: These are exactly the games we want

Bochum currently sit 11th in the table with 23 points. Having been relegated from the Bundesliga last season, VfL are currently looking more over their shoulder than up the table due to a difficult start to the campaign, having collected just three points from their first eight matches.

Since the change of coach – with Uwe Rösler taking over from Dieter Hecking in October 2025 – S04’s Ruhr neighbours have picked up points consistently. In a table representing the period Rösler has been in charge for (the last 11 matchdays), Bochum sit second with five wins, five draws and just one defeat. Only Schalke have collected more points during this timeframe. “Since the coaching change, Bochum have been one of the league’s top teams,” explained Muslic. “After Hertha and Kaiserslautern, we’re up against another tough opponent – but these are exactly the games we want. I’m expecting a very intense match.”

Neither side has enjoyed a completely smooth run of late. While Schalke followed their 2-1 defeat in Braunschweig at the end of the first half of the season with two draws at the start of 2026, Bochum have shared the points in each of their last four matches. “These phases are important for us too,” said S04’s head coach. “Even during the weeks when we were winning several games in a row, not everything was perfect. We didn’t just pat ourselves on the back after victories – we focused on what we could still improve. Now, we’re staying calm and focused. Ups and downs are part of football. What matters is learning from them.”

Ljubičić to make the squad for the first time

Dejan Ljubičić, who joined from Dinamo Zagreb at the start of the week, is set to be included in a Schalke squad for the first time. The midfielder will come up against a familiar face in Bochum goalkeeper Timo Horn, with both players having previously featured together for 1. FC Köln. Muslic is looking forward to seeing his new signing in action. “Dejan provides us with attributes that clearly improve our play going forward. He can play as a number six, eight or ten,” reported the 43-year-old. “He’s fully fit and ready.” Muslic did not reveal whether the midfielder will start in Bochum.

As for Edin Džeko, who marked his debut with a goal last week, it looks likely that he will once again come off the bench. “Edin took his first step with his appearance against Kaiserslautern,” said Muslic. “But he still needs a bit more time before he’s ready to start. He’ll still be a game-changer, not just for the next couple of matches but for the rest of the season. We have a clear plan for Edin.”

Hasan Kuruçay will miss out at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion due to suspension, while Vitalie Becker remains sidelined. “It hurts us a lot that both are unavailable, as they’ve been regulars for us this season,” commented Muslic. “But we’re not complaining. We’ve looked at one or two options during training this week. Having to improvise due to absences isn’t new for us, we’ll find ways of dealing with it.”