Miron Muslic: It will be an intense period for the team

Miron Muslic on…

…the intensity of the training camp:

The days will be intense for us. We have two friendlies coming up, which won’t be easy after having not played for eight weeks and having only been training for three weeks now. Overall, training camp is an intense time because we’re also spending a lot of time together. We also work hard when we’re in Gelsenkirchen, but the lads are then able to head home in the afternoon. Here in the Stubai Valley, we’re taking advantage of the excellent conditions and the time we have together. For example, we have some individual meetings with the players planned for Tuesday, which will take place all day. We’re really taking advantage of all the resources available, both on and off the pitch, in order to prepare as best as we can for the upcoming season.

…the arrival of additional players from the U23s:

We had four more players from the U23s join us on Monday night: Tidiane Touré, Louis Tober, Edion Gashi und Joel Imasuen. Having them here with us gives us a chance to observe them all more closely. Additionally, they will make it possible for us to balance the workload of the players in training and during the friendly against Kharkiv on Wednesday. We’ll be playing three games in seven days, if you take the match in Aue into consideration as well, which will be an intense period for the team.

…Dejan Ljubičić and Robin Gosens:

We are aiming to integrate both of them as quickly and as soon as possible. Robin is a new face in our team, while Dejan has returned following the World Cup. Our plan is to have both of them ready to feature in Saturday’s friendly against Fagiano Okayam.

…his first impression of Robin Gosens:

Robin really wanted to play for Schalke. He made several sacrifices in order to have this opportunity. That’s something that’s clear to see. He’s got a particular charisma, a real aura, and is looking forward to the challenge here – I can see it in his eyes. Robin is a player that can make those around him better. That’s what he’s shown us so far. We needed him and are very happy that he’s here with us, especially given that he’s got a real passion for Schalke.

…leaders within the team:

When we were here a year ago, we had the right feeling for which players we needed in which scenario. Kenan Karaman, Loris Karius, Timo Becker, Nikola Katic and Ron Schallenberg carried us through all the ups and downs of last season. As a result, we’ve got a great set of leaders within our team. Once our squad starts to take shape over the course of pre-season, then it could be the case that a couple of players are added to our team council.

…returning to the Stubai Valley:

It’s a return home for me and for many Schalke fans, especially those that accompany us every year to training camp, Austria has become like a second home. I’m very happy to see so many of them here again. Our aim should be to be back here again next year, once again as a Bundesliga side.

…the upcoming season in the Bundesliga:

We know that the Bundesliga will be a great challenge. Last season was no different, however. The Bundesliga will demand more of us, but we’re confident that we have what it takes to adjust and to improve. We know that it won’t be easy, but together, we have already been able to make several positive changes at Schalke.

…the style of play in the top flight:

We will need to have the right balance between defensive stability and attacking output. We managed this last season already, and regardless of how we play, we also want to manage to implement this in the Bundesliga, without losing those aspects that define us at Schalke. That means running more and proving our bouncebackability against every opponent. As a group, we need to be ready to suffer and to win back possession once we’ve lost it.

…competition within the team:

I want to get the best out of the lads. We have a strong squad. Our lads deserve to play in the Bundesliga and to take the next step in their development. We will bring in some further reinforcements, however, as we need to ensure that we have competition at every position and to increase our squad depth.