German club Schalke has recruited a coach from England.
FC Schalke 04 Appoints Miron Muslic as New Trainer
Gelsenkirchen, Germany - FC Schalke 04 has announced the appointment of Miron Muslic as their new head coach. The Austrian-born coach hails from Plymouth Argyle, the recently relegated English Championship team. Muslic has signed a contract with the Gelsenkirchen-based club until June 30, 2027.
"I am grateful for the trust placed in me by Schalke's decision-makers," Muslic stated in an official club statement. "I am eager to contribute to Schalke's long-term goal of returning to the Bundesliga."
Schalke exercised an exit clause in Muslic's contract with Plymouth Argyle. While the specific financial details remain confidential, reports suggest a mid-six-figure sum plus bonuses were involved. Both clubs have agreed to keep the terms of the agreement undisclosed.
Muslic brings limited recognition in German football, having experienced most of his coaching successes abroad. He managed Cercle Brugge in Belgium, guiding the team to a top-half finish and a UEFA Conference League qualification in the 2023-24 season. However, his tenure in England with Plymouth Argyle ended following the team's relegation to League One.
Schalke's new sports director, Frank Baumann, praised Muslic's "professional and communicative competence" and his demonstrated ability to motivate teams. Baumann highlighted Muslic's leadership qualities and resilience as crucial assets required at the Royal Blues.
Schalke finished the 2024-25 season in a disastrous 14th place after employing three interim coaches. Since parting ways with Domenico Tedesco in 2019, Schalke has had twelve different trainers, with none lasting more than two years. The signing of Miron Muslic signals a new beginning for the historic German club as it aims to rediscover its former glory.
Fans of Plymouth Argyle expressed their frustration at Muslic's departure, with some feeling he abandoned the club prematurely for the opportunity at Schalke. Muslic had only joined Argyle in January, but his stated ambition to help the English side avoid relegation ultimately did not bear fruit. Argyle's official statement acknowledged their disappointment over the talks between Muslic and Schalke 04.
Sources: 1, 4, 5
Muslic's departure from Plymouth Argyle has sparked confusion among fans, with some questioning his decision to leave mid-season for Schalke 04. Despite failing to prevent relegation with Argyle, Muslic has now ventured into the European leagues, aiming to revive Schalke's fortunes in the 2. Football-Bundesliga and eventually challenge in the Premier League, one of the world's most prestigious sports competitions.
