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Miron Muslic: A really tough side to play when we get the fans behind us
Following last week’s international break, FC Schalke 04 host Holstein Kiel at the VELTINS-Arena on Saturday (13/9) at 13:00 CEST. Miron Muslic spoke to the press on Thursday afternoon about the clash with the Storks.
The 2. Bundesliga paused for a week following S04’s 1-0 win away at Dynamo Dresden, the Royal Blues’ third victory across the opening four matchdays. For head coach Miron Muslic, the international break came at just the right time. “After three really intense months, the short break was just what we needed in order to kick on again.” The team’s training sessions and the friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach have given Muslic some confidence. “I’m satisfied with the team’s energy, desire and character at the minute.”
Muslic and his players are therefore looking forward to the home game against Kiel. The Storks were relegated from the Bundesliga last season and haven’t got off to the best of starts in 2025/26, losing against SC Paderborn (2-1), promoted side Arminia Bielefeld (2-0) and Hannover 96 (2-1). Their only victory so far came away against SpVgg Greuther Fürth (2-0).
We know the quality they possess. Despite that, we want to make sure we are up for the challenge.
Two former Kiel players, Finn Porath and Timo Becker, are part of the Schalke team now. “We have obviously prepared as best we can for the game and the coaching team therefore spoke to them,” revealed Music, who doesn’t want to read too much into the Storks’ results so far this season. “They have come down from the Bundesliga and have really strengthened. They are highly ambitious and we know the quality they possess. Despite that, we want to make sure we are up for the challenge.” Muslic is hoping the atmosphere at the VELTINS-Arena can play a role once again: “We’re a really tough side to play when we get the fans behind us.”
Muslic was able to welcome back three players from international duty on Thursday in Vitalie Becker, Nikola Katic and Moussa Sylla. “I spoke with Moussa and my first impression was a very professional and focused attitude. He’s a key player for us and will play on Saturday.”
Trio unavailable against Kiel
The Knappen also secured the services of attacker Christian Gomis at the end of the transfer window. “Moussa and Christian are similar in several ways, but they also have different attributes which provide us with more options,” stated Muslic. “The pair of them have good chemistry and we’re excited to see them play together.” Emil Højlund, Peter Remmert and Max Grüger will all miss out on this weekend’s match. While Højlund is recovering from a heel issue, Remmert is still training individually after his ankle injury. Midfielder Grüger recently broke a toe in training and is therefore not available.
