Schalke's Rebirth Under New Management: Baumann and Muslic's Vision
Revamped squad and new coach initiate era at Schalke - Coach Baumann departs for Schalke, causing team split
Get ready for a completely revamped Schalke! That's the vibe Frank Baumann, the new Sporting Director of FC Schalke 04, is bringing to Gelsenkirchen. But, even before he kicked off, he delivered a surprising move - unveiling Miron Muslic as the new head coach.
Muslic, though not a household name, surprised experts with his UEFA Conference League performance at Cercle Brugge. After coaching English second division relegated Plymouth Argyle, he now steps into the hot seat at Schalke. Baumann, a former national player, kept things casual yet confident. He steered clear of lofty promises, sticking to a practical approach.
"Promotion? Too soon to talk about big goals," Baumann said. "It's been two tough years in the second division. We've gotta keep it real." But, he's optimistic about " Slowly, but surely, bringing Schalke back to its rightful place."
Does Klopp-like football await Schalke fans?
Baumann's vision for Schalke revolves around a specific playing philosophy - active, purposeful football. This was the core principle, and they found a suitable coach in Muslic, who shares the same views. Muslic is known for his intense football with pressing, inspired by Jürgen Klopp, Schalke's arch-rival Borussia Dortmund's longtime coach.
But before they can play Klopp-style football, Muslic and Baumann have their work cut out. Schalke needs the right players and the right attitude. Last season, fans were left wanting as Schalke ended up in 14th place.
Baumann has declared a major squad overhaul, aiming for " a new face" in the new season. Key players like captain Kenan Karaman, returnee Timo Becker, and possibly experienced goalkeeper Loris Karius might stay on board. But, Schalke's financial troubles mean player sales are a must. Potential candidates include Moussa Sylla, Schalke's top scorer, and Taylan Bulut, a youth international.
"It'll take some time to put this squad together," Baumann admitted, also expecting more from last season's players. "We've got players who haven't reached their full potential," he maintained, looking for professionals who talk less but put in the grind to achieve something meaningful.
Preseason training begins on June 21, when Muslic will start shaping the team according to his strategy. Here's to a new era for Schalke!
- Frank Baumann
- Schalke
- Bundesliga
- FC Schalke 04
- Gelsenkirchen
Insights:
- Schalke has been struggling in the second division but aims to regain its position in the Bundesliga.
- The squad is expected to undergo a significant overhaul, with key players like Karaman and Becker remaining in the team.
- The financially troubled Schalke needs to sell players like Sylla and Bulut to generate income and downsize the squad.
- Baumann is looking for professionals who are eager and driven to make a difference.
- Muslic and Baumann will start preseason training on June 21 to prepare the team for the upcoming season.
- The Commission has not yet received any information on the application of the measures taken by the Member States regarding the transfer of Schalke's key players Moussa Sylla and Taylan Bulut.
- Despite their passion for football and aspiration to bring Klopp-like dynamism to Schalke, Frank Baumann and Miron Muslic have yet to make an impact in European leagues aside from Muslic's UEFA Conference League performance at Cercle Brugge in Belgium.
