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Kenan Karaman: I’m now back in full training
One player that got a particularly loud cheer during the official presentation of the team at Schalke Day 2025 was Kenan Karaman. The S04 captain was impressed with how many fans turned up on Saturday (26/7). “After the past few weeks, where I haven’t been able to train with the team due to my injury, it feels great to receive such a warm welcome from the fans,” said Karaman. “The fact that so many fans came to Schalke Day again was amazing.”
When asked about his recovery from injury, the Turkey international had some good news: “I was able to train with the team on Friday,” he reported. Karaman had to undergo a knee operation at the start of pre-season after picking up a knee injury in the very first training session. Right now, the Schalke captain can’t and doesn’t want to predict when he’ll be back to full fitness. “Sometimes I have to stop myself from getting carried away. The plan is for me to train with the team all of next week and we’ll see how my knee reacts to that workload.”
We’re on the right track but can still improve.
Karaman added that not being able to train with his teammates in pre-season was a completely new experience for him, though he did at least complete his rehabilitation programme near his fellow Royal Blues and was part of the group that went to Stubaital in Austria for the training camp. “The lads are working hard every day to make sure we have a better season than last year. We’re on the right track but can still improve.” The 31-year-old feels that the mood in the dressing room is good right now, leaving him confident about the team’s chances this season.
Looking ahead to the future
Karaman explained that the 2024/25 season is fully in the past now. “Our focus is on what’s to come.” One of the things the team has focused on in pre-season has been their defensive play, something which has been evident in the friendlies against Panathinaikos, FC St. Gallen and FC Twente. Miron Muslic’s new-look defence managed to keep a clean sheet in all three games against top-flight opposition. “I think we’ve taken some really big steps in the right direction,” praised Karaman.
The Knappen will want to back that up in the final friendly against Sevilla. “It’s great that over 40,000 people have bought a ticket for the game. I told the lads that they should enjoy the atmosphere.” A loud crowd on Saturday will help to get the players even more excited for the season opener against Hertha BSC. Karaman is expecting an even game against the Berliners, for which him and his team will prepare for over the coming days in training.
