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Miron Muslic: Münster can get the better of any side
With the final international break of the year behind them, FC Schalke 04 have now set their sights on Saturday’s (22/11, 13:00 CET) trip to face Preußen Münster. Head coach Miron Muslic is looking forward to the challenge and to the support of the fans once again.
The LVM-Preußenstadion is located just 66 kilometres from the VELTINS-Arena as the crow flies, with Saturday’s clash having been sold-out for weeks now. Münster’s home ground is undergoing renovations, with a current capacity of 10,481, including 1,800 in the away section. The Royal Blues received 20,732 ticket requests for the match against Münster, who were promoted to the second division last season. Schalke could have therefore filled the stadium twice over with just their own fans — a fact that appeals to both Muslic and his players.
The head coach is looking for his side to reward the fans for their loyal support once more with another successful away day. However, the 43-year-old is aware that it won’t be easy, saying “Both the team and their head coach, Alexander Ende, have a clear vision of how they want to play. They are capable of getting the better of any side.”
Münster stick to their game plan, regardless of the opponent. That’s something I’m a fan of and I respect that approach.
Preußen Münster have lost just one of their six home games so far this term, having beaten Holstein Kiel 2-1 in their last appearance there. Ende’s side have contested the most duels of any side in the division, in addition to boasting plenty of possession and completing a lot of their passes. “Münster stick to their game plan, regardless of the opponent. That’s something I’m a fan of and I respect that approach,” said Muslic. Schalke have worked hard to prepare the players for Münster, especially given that their upcoming opponents have managed to pick up 11 of their 14 points this season at home.
Gantenbein available again after serving a yellow-card suspension
Muslic did not reveal any details about his starting line-up for Saturday’s game, but the head coach will certainly have to make some changes following their 1-0 win over SV Elversberg last time out. Vitalie Becker, who had started every game so far this season, will be suspended against Münster after having picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last time out. “Vitalie has put in strong performances so far this season and we will miss him,” said Muslic. “But Finn Porath did a good job when he featured on the right flank against Elversberg recently. He’s got a similar style of play and is definitely an option to replace Vitalie.” The head coach will be able to welcome Adrian Gantenbein back to the side after the defender served his yellow-card suspension against Elversberg.
Nikola Katic and Mertcan Ayhan have both returned from international duty over the past days and will be in the squad. “Both are fit and ready to get going again,” said the head coach. Attackers Christopher Antwi-Adjei and Janik Bachmann are also available again, which “is great for us,” Muslic commented. “Both provide us with additional options to make a change during the course of the game in order to bring in some fresh energy.”
Those players still sidelined with injury are also making good progress. “Several of the lads are nearing the point where I’m able to be optimistic about having a couple of them return over the coming weeks,” Muslic shared. Only vice-captain Timo Becker is set to be sidelined until at least January, having suffered a ligament injury nearly eight years ago. According to Muslic, the centre-back is making good progress and is expected to rejoin the team when they resume preparations for the second half of the season in the new year.
