Search
Login
Please log in with your user data.
Miron Muslic: The Bundesliga returns to the VELTINS-Arena
On Saturday evening (5/9), the Royal Blues welcome FC Bayern for the 18:30 CEST kick-off in what will be the first Bundesliga match at the VELTINS-Arena in more than three years. Head coach Miron Muslic is relishing the challenge of facing Germany’s record champions.
The significance of the occasion is already creating a real sense of excitement for the 43-year-old ahead of the meeting with Bayern. “The Bundesliga is returning to the VELTINS-Arena. That’s something special for us and for our fans, who have had to wait a long time for this,” explained Muslic. The head coach is well aware that facing the reigning champions first up will be anything but easy. “FC Bayern are the biggest challenge in the league for any opponent. They’re the best team and that’s what we’re up against, but we’re really looking forward to this game.”
Regardless of the opposition, Muslic’s focus is on something his players and staff worked towards throughout last season in the 2. Bundesliga. “We put an enormous amount into winning promotion and earning the chance to compete with the best teams. Now we’ll give everything we have to compete at this level.” Muslic is adamant that any difficulties or setbacks along the way will not change their approach. “We won’t let anything unsettle us. We’ll stay true to our beliefs and we know our role as a newly promoted side in this league.”
FC Bayern are the biggest challenge in the league for any opponent.
Bayern’s own status is equally clear. They have occupied top spot in the Bundesliga for 67 consecutive matchdays. “They’re a very cohesive unit with a lot of world-class players, but they also work extremely well together as a team. The hunger they show is impressive,” said Muslic. “But, like every other team, they also have moments when they give you opportunities.”
Tanaka to replace Schallenberg
Ron Schallenberg will not be available this weekend. The midfielder was shown a red card just over an hour into last Sunday’s (30/8) opening league game away to FC Augsburg and has subsequently been handed a two-match suspension by the DFB. Satoshi Tanaka will replace him in central midfield.
There is still some doubt over Kenan Karaman, with a late decision to be made on the captain’s availability. Hee Chan Hwang, who completed his move to Schalke at the very last minute on deadline day, trained with the team for the first time on Thursday (3/9). “He brings exactly the qualities we were looking for: strength, dynamism, intensity and quality. We still have a little time before the game, so we’ll see whether he can be involved this weekend,” added Muslic.
