Miron Muslic: Moments that will stay with us forever

Miron Muslic:

These past 11 months have been emotional and intense from the very beginning. But as well as having a clear plan from day one and the will to see it through, we’ve also stayed in control emotionally throughout the season.

Over these 11 months, we’ve always backed the team, and the players have given everything from the first day to the last. The past two weeks have been especially emotional. We have worked almost a full year without a break for this success – together with the players and the entire staff.

Every successful side needs a strong team behind it, and every strong team is made up of people who give everything every single day. That’s why I want to give special praise to the players, the staff, the whole coaching team and every individual who turns up every day and plays their part.

11 months later, we can now see the reward for all of that – we’re deservedly champions.

Now we’re looking forward to the next few days. These are moments that will stay with us forever – moments we’ll remember for the rest of our lives. And these are the moments we now want to enjoy.

Lars Kornetka:

Congratulations to the whole club and everyone connected with it. It’s been a pleasure to watch Schalke this season. There was a lot at stake for us too. You could see the quality Schalke have on the pitch. In the second half, we tried to push harder and create the openings we needed to maybe get an equaliser. But we have to be honest and say that we barely managed to do that after the break. In the end, it finished 1-0. Even so, we’re very happy with the outcome because it means we have stayed up.

Loris Karius:

It’s a great day for all of us, and it’s one we’ve earned over the course of the season. We worked hard every day, and today we got our reward. It feels special. People are happy, and that hasn’t always been the case.

I really can’t complain at the moment. Things are going well for me both on and off the pitch, and I’m enjoying it. We’ll celebrate a bit first, then we go again. The task won’t get any easier. For now, it’s about enjoying our success, having a bit of time off and then coming back ready.

After such a long season, finishing first rather than second obviously makes it even better, even though both teams are promoted. The Meisterschale means a lot. You go up and win a title as well. That’s why it’s great that there’s a trophy in the second division too. It’s the reward for a strong season.

Hasan Kuruçay:

It’s a wonderful feeling to have the medal around my neck. I didn’t set myself a specific target before the season. Becoming champions and playing in the Bundesliga next season is a dream. Being able to hold the Meisterschale in my hands is just incredible.

For me personally, promotion is a big achievement. At 28, I’ve now reached the level where I believe I belong. It hasn’t been an easy journey.

I’m pleased that, as a defender, I was able to play my part in us conceding so few goals. Defensively, it’s been an outstanding season. It’ll obviously be even harder in the Bundesliga, but that’s exactly what we want to build on.