Fiery Debate in Schalke's Board Room: Muslic Aims to Take Giant Schalke to Heights with Klopp-esque Play
Muslim Player to Implement Klopp-styled Tactics for Schalke Giant
Share on Facebook Tweet this Forward on WhatsApp Email this Print this Copy Link
In his inaugural address, the newly appointed Schalke coach outlines his vision for an electrifying brand of soccer, promising Schalke's fans a thrilling revival on the coaching front that they've been yearning for.
Miron Muslic, with his cool, almost hushed tone, paints a picture of tenacity, intensity, and aggression for his new side. The mediocre performances of the previous season certainly don't align with his vision. "I promise the Schalke fans we're working tirelessly to create a dynamic, a unified force," reveals Muslic. And that's just what the club needs.
Enduring years of strife and sinkingly into 14th place in the 2nd Bundesliga, the proud traditional club is eager to ascend and reclaim its position in the Bundesliga. To achieve this, Schalke has roped in a coach who may be unknown in Germany but exudes confidence and appears to know precisely what he wants and demands.
Muslic: "We Operate in a Results-Driven Industry"
Endurance and commitment are essential ingredients in his recipe. The high stakes that Schalke entails, with its monumental, constantly filled arena, shouldn't feel oppressive but serve as inspiration. "We're in an industry that demands results. This pressure isn't a burden; it's part of our craft," Muslic declares.
"Schalke still looms large in German football. Schalke isn't just significant in Gelsenkirchen or the Ruhr area, but throughout Germany," Muslic affirms. "Experiencing Schalke for the first time leaves an indelible mark." He's determined to instill in his team a style that embodies the essence of Schalke: passionate, offensive, and reminiscent of Jürgen Klopp's brand of football, where players behave like predators in relentless pressing. Muslic remains confident that he can bring this to fruition with his new squad.
He believes that his unique upbringing, as a coach and as a person, position him ideally for Schalke. "My upbringing, my experiences in life are akin to many here in Gelsenkirchen," says the man of 42. Coming into the world in 1982 in what's since become Bosnia and Herzegovina, Muslic and his family fled to Austria as refugees. There he played and also honed his early coaching skills.
Boardroom Feud
With Muslic, Schalke has finally secured the long-awaited stability on the coaching front. Muslic is well-aware that his new employer is exceptional in terms of coaching instability, the pressure it entails, and its media exposure.
The latest example: Supervisory board chairman Axel Hefer publicly lashed out at the team and the squad composition following the disappointing season, with a verbal broadside. This did not sit well with supervisory board member Ender Ulupinar, who voiced his disapproval of Hefer's approach on social media. During the last supervisory board meeting, Ulupinar faced the consequences, albeit in a peculiar manner. He remains a member of the board with voting rights, but he is no longer included in any committees and is effectively sidelined.
It's uncertain if these behind-the-scenes boardroom squabbles will have any direct bearing on Muslic's work. He's single-minded in his pursuit of squad planning. The new sporting director, Frank Baumann, deems the coach as "the cornerstone of our sports strategy." The two work closely together in assembling the new team.
The summer months also signal a change in personnel. Alongside Kenan Karaman, who remains the captain under Muslic, returnee Timo Becker in defense, and goalkeeper Loris Karius, a new squad is taking shape that could potentially challenge for promotion.
The transformation hinges partially on transfer earnings. Players who might fetch decent transfer fees for the heavily indebted Gelsenkirchen-based club, such as top scorer Moussa Sylla and junior national player Taylan Bulut, are likely to depart. Especially Sylla, who netted 16 goals the previous season, would leave a considerable void.
Special Focus in Training
Muslic faces the challenge of winning back the fans' trust. Many spectators jeered their own players in the 1:2 defeat against Elversberg in the final match of the season. The solution seems simple: the professionals need to deliver performances that inspire the fans. "They have every right to expect perfection from their team," states Muslic.
A potential avenue to mend relationships could involve fostering transparency through public training sessions.
The community aid, provided by Schalke, is essential for the construction of new buildings within the club's grounds, ensuring the facilities meet the growing demands of the revitalized team under Miron Muslic.
To further bolster the team's chances of success, Muslic has expressed a keen interest in exploring opportunities in European-leagues, aiming to analyze the strategies and tactics of various football clubs in order to implements successful approaches into Schalke's playstyle.
