Youri Mulder: We can only do it together – that’s what Huub Stevens always said

S04’s director of professional football, whose contract was automatically extended until the end of the 2027/2028 season following promotion to the Bundesliga, explained that he had sensed a positive energy both on the training pitch and in the dressing room from the very first day of pre-season. “From day one, Miron Muslic and his coaching staff worked with a clear focus on being successful,” said the Dutchman. “To now end the season with promotion and the league title is fantastic. The home game against Fortuna Düsseldorf will stay with all of us forever.”

Mulder himself celebrated the achievement with the team and numerous club staff long into the early hours of the next day after Schalke’s promotion was confirmed against Fortuna. “When you achieve something big, you have to enjoy it together,” stressed the 57-year-old, once again underlining that far more than just the eleven players on the pitch contributed to the Royal Blues’ return to the top flight.

“We can only do it together – that’s what Huub Stevens always used to say,” the director of professional football said, quoting his fellow Dutchman and former coach. “And he was spot on there. Our togetherness and unity have been the foundation for this season’s success. There are also so many members of staff behind the scenes who have done an outstanding job. They may not be in the spotlight, but they have still played a huge part in our overall success.”

Strong teamwork

Mulder also pointed to the team’s unwavering composure in their performances throughout the season, which allowed them to overcome every obstacle that came their way, despite challenges arising time and again. “We worked together extremely well as a group, kept the pressure from getting to us and performed so well as a team,” said Mulder, who was especially impressed by the final few weeks of the season. “It’s not easy to win every game during the run-in. That was just magnificent!” Schalke have now won five matches in a row, having already put together another five-game winning streak earlier in the season between matchdays six and ten.

Ahead of Saturday’s 20:30 CEST kick-off away at Nürnberg (9/5), Mulder stressed that the team would not be easing off despite already being confirmed as champions. “We’re travelling to Nürnberg with every intention of winning. Once again, a huge number of our fans will be there with us, and they deserve to see a good performance,” said the director of professional football, who is already looking forward to the atmosphere at the Max-Morlock-Stadion.

The excitement for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign is just as great. “We actually started planning for next season quite some time ago. Knowing early on which division we’ll be playing in definitely makes things a little easier,” said Mulder. The current squad still have two matches left together and, following the away game in Bavaria, will officially be presented with the 2. Bundesliga trophy during the final home match against Eintracht Braunschweig.

Mulder certainly would not rule out another long evening spent celebrating with the team and club staff after that occasion. Quite the opposite, in fact: “You have to celebrate this success. And you have to do it together, of course!”