Youri Mulder: I’m looking forward to seeing our development under Miron

Youri Mulder was involved in the start of pre-season training on countless occasions as a Schalke player, but Saturday (21/6) marked the first opening session he has attended while serving as the club’s director of professional football.

Youri Mulder at the start of training

What has not changed due to his new role, however, is the anticipation ahead of getting underway once more. “As a player, pre-season was always tough but something you have to do if you want to be successful,” explained the 56-year-old. Although the 1997 UEFA Cup winner no longer laces up his running shoes and football boots, his daily routine nowadays is also far from stress-free. “I have now experienced just how much work and organisation is involved in the preparations thanks to my current role. A few days ago, I said to Mario Grevelhörster (first team head of administration) that pre-season planning is a bit like planning a wedding. You have to think of everything and count for every individual,” revealed Mulder, adding with a smile: “You also mustn’t forget anything, either, so again it’s like a wedding. It would also be annoying if your best friend was missing from the evening because you hadn’t sent them an invitation.”

I experienced first-hand what this club means to the people here in my first training back when I was a new signing

Youri Mulder

The director of professional football is delighted that around 3,000 fans were in attendance as things got underway. “This is Schalke!” enthused the Dutchman. “Positive atmosphere, great weather and all the Schalke fans up and down the sideline in blue and white. It was a successful morning in every regard.” After the sporting session was complete, the team and coaching staff took plenty of time to fulfil every autograph and photo request. “I experienced first-hand what this club means to the people here in my first training back when I was a new signing,” as Mulder recalled his opening session in blue and white in the summer of 1993. The club’s culture has not changed even a tad since.

New head coach Miron Muslic has decided that training will again be open to the public in the coming days. Mulder explained that he is excited to see how the upcoming sessions will be led. “Before hiring Miron, we looked at his profile and his work in detail. I met with him several times and spoke to him frequently on the phone, as well as speaking to many of Miron’s former colleagues,” reported the Dutchman. “The impression I gained across all of these discussions was a very positive one.”

The new coach’s style of play suits S04 according to the director of professional football. “We want to see an active approach to football at the VELTINS-Arena and that’s what Miron will bring to our game.” Muslic will now use the pre-season period to communicate his plan to the squad. “I’m looking forward to seeing our development under Miron in the coming weeks and months. I’m also already excited for matchday one.” Next season’s fixture list will be published on Friday (27/6).

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