Miron Muslic: Valuable experience against a quality side

“We’re thrilled to be able to visit FC Twente, helping to mark the anniversary of the club’s founding and being able to sincerely congratulate them on this milestone,” continued Muslic. The affair at the Stadion De Grolsch Veste will kick off at 19:30 CET.

Schalke’s away allocation is completely sold out. No surprises there, as the clubs have enjoyed a particularly friendly relationship for years. Encounters between the Knappen and the Tukkers have become something of a popular tradition for the clubs and fans alike. Since 2022, the sides have faced each other every year in pre-season, most recently at the Parkstadion in July, with the game ending in a goalless draw.

As a result of the game taking place during the current international break, both teams will have to do without a handful of first-team players. This is in addition to those Schalke players already sidelined through injury problems. “Our squad situation has meant that we’re able to give a number of U19 and U23 talents the chance to show us what they can do, not just in training but in the game on Thursday night as well,” said Muslic, before adding: “This will be a valuable experience for the young players against a side with real quality. In this respect, I’m really looking forward to the game and to see how they fare under the lights.”

FC Twente are currently sat in eighth place in the Dutch Eredivisie, having taken 16 points from 12 games. Regularly starting between the sticks for the Tukkers is a former Royal Blue: Lars Unnerstall has been appearing in goal for the side for 04 years now. The connections don’t stop there, though, as Schalke’s current director of professional football, Youri Mulder, spent three years of his playing career in Twente, where he later spent time working as a member of the coaching staff.