Miron Muslic: We want to hit the 70-point mark

Before the trophy presentation, there is still a game to be played from 15:30 CEST. Schalke’s head coach stressed that his side will go into the match against Braunschweig fully focused. “We’re targeting a 13th home win and want to hit the 70-point mark,” commented Muslic. The aim is to show once again why Schalke are deserved champions. “We’ve come a long way over the past 10 or 11 months and had a clear plan throughout. We’ve followed it with absolute conviction, and now we want to finish off that journey together in a positive way.”

Muslic is well aware of what is at stake for Eintracht Braunschweig, as well as every other side involved in the relegation battle. While Schalke’s final league position has been confirmed since matchday 32, Braunschweig still have everything to play for. Head coach Lars Kornetka, who worked at Schalke as a video analyst between 2011 and 2013, currently has his side 14th in a tightly packed lower end of the table, but they could still slip into the relegation play-off place or even the automatic relegation spots. “They’ll give absolutely everything,” Muslic stated. “Braunschweig need a result on Sunday.”

Under Kornetka’s predecessor Heiner Backhaus, Braunschweig’s game was built heavily around individual battles and aggressive pressing. Kornetka has put more emphasis on controlled possession, with a back four providing the defensive base, and the shift has brought results so far. “Braunschweig have taken seven points from their last four games, so they’re in a strong position,” explained Muslic. Even so, Schalke’s task is to show why they have been such a force at the VELTINS-Arena this season. “We won’t let Braunschweig stand in our way,” the head coach insisted. It is already certain that Schalke 04 will finish as the best home side in the league.

Hasan Kuruçay and Nikola Katic, two key figures in the league’s best defence with just 31 goals conceded, will both be back involved as Schalke look to become only the fifth team in the history of Germany’s second tier to reach 70 points. “Both lads are 100% fit,” Muslic confirmed after Friday’s training session.

Kuruçay, a regular starter for Muslic this season, will return to the starting XI after missing the trip to Nürnberg with a minor ankle problem. Katic, meanwhile, could be an option from the bench after recovering from his knee injury. “We’re also very positive about Nikola and expect to see him out on the pitch,” the 43-year-old added, suggesting that the Bosnian is in line for some minutes.

Beyond those two players, Muslic stressed that there will be no compromises when it comes to his starting line-up. “We’ll go with the strongest team available.” As the game goes on, players who have earned their chance through their hard work in training could then be rewarded for their commitment throughout the season. “Five game-changers will come onto the pitch later on and bring fresh energy.”

Three players to be given a send-off before kick-off

Paul Pöpperl, Christopher Antwi-Adjei and Henning Matriciani will be officially given a send-off before the game. The trio’s contracts expire on 30th June and will not be extended. The club had already made all three players aware of the decision.