Interview

Hasan Kuruçay: Things are getting better week by week

Despite only being on Schalke’s books for two months, Hasan Kuruçay has settled in quickly and become an important part of the Royal Blue’s defence. According to the 28-year-old defender, the credit for his side’s strong defence this season should be given to the entire team and not just the back line. As confident off the pitch as he is on it; Kuruçay now gives his interviews in German!

Interview

Frank Baumann on restructuring: Optimising structures to secure Schalke’s future

Schalke 04 announced changes in their sporting setup on Monday (22/9). Under the leadership of board member for sport Frank Baumann, the club has decided to review its structures and adapt them to future needs. In conversation with schalke04.de, Baumann explained the reasons behind the restructuring and its intended goals.

Interview

Timo Becker: There aren’t many bigger occasions

The Royal Blues will kick off the 2025/26 season on Friday night (1/8) at home against Hertha BSC. Timo Becker spoke to schalke04.de about pre-season and the opening fixture.

Interview

Youri Mulder: When the opposition say something like that, we’ve done a lot right

04 weeks of pre-season are done, with less than two weeks left until the first competitive fixture of the 2025/26 campaign against Hertha BSC. By the time that the game against the Berlin club at the VELTINS-Arena kicks off at 20:30 CEST on Friday, August 1st, the Royal Blues will have eight friendlies under their belt. Seven games have already been played, with only a fixture against Sevilla FC at 17:00 CEST on Saturday (26/7) to round off Schalke Day remaining.

Interview

Vitalie Becker on helpful feedback, important mentors and a good friend

Vitalie Becker’s cross set up the only goal of the game as FC Schalke 04 beat FC St. Gallen in a friendly. The 20-year-old has impressed overall in pre-season to date and spoke to schalke04.de about his time in the club’s academy, special moments as a child at the VELTINS-Arena, training under Miron Muslic and key figures in his career to date.

Interview

The remarkable career path of Tidiane Touré

From the U23s to the senior squad: Tidiane Touré has made the most of his opportunity over the past few months and is now a permanent member of the Schalke first team. During the training camp in Neustift, the 20-year-old right-back sat down with schalke04.de to talk about his footballing journey so far and the special role the sport plays in his life. The interview also touches on his close bond with his family, advice from 2. Bundesliga legend Willi Landgraf, and preparations for the upcoming season.

Interview

Youri Mulder: We all have to pull together

The director of professional football has sights firmly fixed on the future. It is obviously important for Youri Mulder to analyse the past season, identifying weaknesses and drawing the right conclusions in order to prepare for a more successful new campaign. Important personnel decisions are also pending at Schalke, for example the selection of a new head coach. In addition, Frank Baumann will begin in his role of board member for sport on 1st June. The 56-year-old spoke to the media about these current topics and schalke04.de has summarised the key outtakes.

Interview

Matthias Tillmann: Lead the club together with clarity, courage and conviction

The club’s board – which currently consists of CEO Matthias Tillmann and Christina Rühl-Hamers – will gain a third member from 1st June onwards. In an interview with schalke04.de, Tillmann spoke about his excitement to work with Frank Baumann, the future allocation of tasks among the board and the club’s overall strategy.

Interview

Frank Baumann: I will take on responsibility

Frank Baumann will start his new role as board member for sport at the Royal Blues on 1st June. In an interview with schalke04.de, the 49-year-old talked about his new job at Schalke, conversations prior to signing his contract, his future work alongside the rest of the board and sporting management, his career so far and his to-do list before he officially begins his role.

Interview

Mauro Zalazar: An incredible experience

Mauro Zalazar has been back at Schalke for around a week since taking part in the South American U-20 Championship in Venezuela until mid-February. His Uruguay side came fifth in the final stage of the tournament. In an interview with schalke04.de, the midfielder spoke about his experiences, contact with people back in Gelsenkirchen and his goals as a Royal Blue.

Interview

Janik Bachmann: My sons tell me how I should celebrate

Janik Bachmann scored his second goal of the calendar year at the weekend and it was a crucial one for the Royal Blues. The midfielder spoke to schalke04.de about his finishing abilities, which he worked on during his return to fitness, as well as his time with upcoming opponents SV Darmstadt 98 and his highlights with the Knappen to date.

Interview

Aymen Barkok: I packed my bags straightaway

Life as a Royal Blue has well and truly begun for new signing Aymen Barkok. The 26-year-old spoke to schalke04.de about his move to Gelsenkirchen from Mainz, his qualities on the pitch, familiar faces and the anticipation ahead of his first game at the VELTINS-Arena.

Interview