Miron Muslic: Focus on ourselves and our principles

The Red Devils, who suffered a 1-0 defeat in Hannover in their opening game, had the strongest home record in the second division last season. At the Fritz-Walter-Stadion, the side from the Palatinate only recorded three losses in 17 games. “FCK will approach the game in a similar way to how we did against Berlin,” said the 42-year-old, referring to aggression, physicality and power.

FCK with eight incomings

“We have extensively focused on the playing style and strengths of our opponents, who will be well prepared on an individual as well as a tactical level,” commented Muslic. “Kaiserslautern have a squad full of top players, and have improved their attack a lot with the signing of Mahir Emreli and Ivan Prtajin, even after losing Ragnar Ache. They’ve also found a new spine in midfield with experienced second-division players Fabian Kunze and Semih Sahin.”

Even just this week, FCK have continued strengthening with the signing of Finnish international Naatan Skyttä from French side USL Dunkerque – their eighth new signing this summer. The Palatinate club’s transfer business demonstrates their own ambition for the new season. 1. FC Kaiserslautern finished the last campaign in seventh place.

However, the most important thing for Muslic and the team is that “we focus on ourselves and follow our principles. It’s also crucial that we maintain our structure and keep a cool head in the fiery atmosphere in Kaiserslautern.” The S04 boss also noted that Torsten Lieberknecht’s team will surely do everything within their power to have the crowd behind from the very first second.

Multiple options to replace Katic

Muslic will have to adapt his starting XI from the opening game against Hertha BSC. Nikola Katic, one of the goalscorers in Schalke’s victory over the Berliners, is unavailable for the Knappen. The Bosnian international was sent off after receiving a second yellow against the club from the capital, as well as suffering a concussion a few minutes earlier. Katic, no longer showing symptoms, was able to complete an individual training session on Thursday (7/8).

“Of course it’s difficult when a first-choice defender isn’t available. Nikola is a leader, who isn’t so easy to replace,” said Muslic. However, the head coach isn’t interested in complaining, instead thinking of solutions. “We’re not moaning that someone’s unavailable, rather we’re focusing on the boys who can play. We have been working on two or three variations.” The 42-year-old is yet to reveal who will replace Katic. There’s also a big question mark as to whether Ilyes Hamache will make the squad. The attacker has been forced to sit out of training over the past few days due to a cold.

Karaman and Bachmann ready for action again

In the case of Kenan Karaman however, the captain is back after weeks on the sidelines. He should be part of the squad again in Kaiserslautern. “Kenan has taken part in full team training in the last ten days,” revealed Muslic. Although whether Schalke’s captain will start the game is yet to be revealed by the head coach. “We have a clear plan with Kenan, which has also been discussed clearly with him.” It can’t be forgotten that the forward hasn’t played a game in around three months.

The fact that Karaman is already an option again is also thanks to the work of the medical department as well as the rehabilitation and fitness teams. “Everyone has worked together fantastically,” praised the head coach, who can welcome another returning player to the squad in the form of Janik Bachmann. The 29-year-old has also trained for more than a week and a half with the team and will return to the squad against Kaiserslautern.