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Miron Muslic: Really looking forward to this showpiece game with more than 20,000 Schalke fans
FC Schalke 04 start the second half of their season with a trip to the capital, as Miron Muslic’s side visit Hertha BSC on Saturday evening (17/1, 20:30 CET). “We’re really looking forward to this showpiece game and the challenge of facing an opponent with big ambitions,” said the head coach.
After a two-week build-up to the restart, during which Schalke focused on their attacking play without neglecting the basics of their defensive work, the 43-year-old has been eagerly awaiting kick-off for days. As was the case last season, the Royal Blues will be backed by a huge travelling support in Berlin, with the team set to be roared on for the full 90 minutes. “Once again, we can count on a massive wave of support. Having more than 20,000 Schalke fans in Berlin is anything but a given – it shows the bond between us and our supporters,” Muslic said.
Prepared for Hertha’s approach
Schalke recorded a 2-1 win in Berlin last March, while the reverse fixture earlier this season ended with the same scoreline at the VELTINS-Arena. Muslic underlined that “we’re coming up against a very ambitious opponent who will be pushing for all three points to close the gap.” At present, the ‘Old Lady’ sit nine points behind Schalke in the table. The head coach made it clear his team are ready for what lies ahead. “We know Hertha’s strengths, but we also know how we can hurt them.”
We need to stick to our plan. If we perform well, we can beat any side.
The 43-year-old stressed that Schalke will approach the game with the same plan and intensity as in every match so far this season. “Regardless of the table, we always have the same mindset. When we step onto the pitch, we want to win. We need to stick to our plan. If we perform well, we can beat any side,” he explained. At the same time, the coach acknowledged that, like every team in the league, there is still room for improvement. Trusting their basics will be key, because “that’s what makes life difficult for the opposition. We want to give our fans something to celebrate so they can enjoy a pleasant journey home.”
Muslic is yet to make a final decision on his starting XI for the Olympiastadion. What is certain, however, is that Dylan Leonard will be included in the squad for the first time. “He’s been training with us for months, has adapted well and is now eligible to play,” the Schalke coach said.
Zaid Tchibara is also set to return to the matchday squad following his comeback in the friendly against VfL Osnabrück (2-0) – his first appearance since suffering a cruciate ligament injury last February. Muslic explained that the attacker will be eased back carefully. “Zaid’s been out for a year. We’ll build him up slowly, step by step.”
