Miron Muslic: We’re focused again after celebrating promotion

Although Schalke’s final league position has already been confirmed with two games still to play, Muslic stressed that his side will not be taking the fixture lightly. “We’re going to Nürnberg to win the game,” stated the 43-year-old. Full focus has therefore been back on the task ahead since Thursday (7/5) at the latest. “We’re fully focused again now. We owe that to ourselves and to the league,” said Muslic. S04 are also keen to extend their current unbeaten run, with captain Kenan Karaman and his teammates now 12 games without defeat.

Muslic explained that his team know how to switch themselves on again after a short break, having proved that time and again over recent months. The most recent example came after the last international break, when the Royal Blues won all five of their matches.

That short break also included plenty of celebration, with the team marking promotion and the title in style. “The lads earned that through all their hard work over recent months,” explained Muslic. The squad – including the coaching team and several members of staff – spent a few days together on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza, another sign of just how strong the bond has been within the group this season. “We’ve worked hard to build that sense of togetherness, and we have to keep hold of it. Our togetherness is our trump card. It’s been there all season and it’s what has got us to this point.”

The past few days have been hugely emotional overall. “We’re happy and grateful that we were able to celebrate promotion at home together with our fans and families. Those are moments that will stay with us for the rest of our lives,” commented the head coach.

Rotation possible in one or two positions

Muslic was likely speaking for his players too, having regularly praised their performances over recent weeks and months. He has also repeatedly stressed that more than just the regular starting XI have deserved minutes. As a result, some rotation over the final 180 minutes of the season is certainly possible. “We have two games to reward a few of the lads. That includes Vitalie Becker, Adrian Gantenbein and Christopher Antwi-Adjei, among others,” said the head coach. The trio played a major role in Schalke’s success, particularly in the first half of the season, but injuries meant they were only able to play a limited part after the winter break. That does not mean places will simply be handed out, though, with Muslic clear that “every minute in a Schalke shirt has to be earned.”

Nikola Katic is not yet part of the plans after recovering from his knee injury. “He’s making excellent progress, but Braunschweig will be the first game where he comes into contention for the squad,” revealed the head coach. Muslic believes that will help the centre-back more, especially with the upcoming World Cup in mind. Hasan Kuruçay will also be unavailable against Nürnberg. The defender picked up an ankle injury against Düsseldorf, although he is not expected to be sidelined for long. He should be back in the squad for the final game of the season against his former club.

The Royal Blues will also be without Loris Karius at the Max-Morlock-Stadion, albeit for a positive reason. The goalkeeper’s wife is heavily pregnant, with Muslic explaining: “We’re just waiting for Loris to get in touch and tell us he’s become a father.” Dejan Ljubičić, who also missed the first session ahead of the Nürnberg game for personal reasons, is available to face FCN and will travel on the team bus.

The team will then make the return journey by train, together with numerous members of staff from the Schalke head office. “That means a lot to us,” said Muslic. “The staff have played a huge part in helping us take the club back to where it belongs. We’re really looking forward to travelling back together.”