Schalke set to face Leipzig with Karaman and Katic; Bulut's transfer on the horizon - Schalke Head to Leipzig with Karaman and Katić, Anticipating Lineup Change Featuring Bulut
FC Schalke 04 Prepares for DFB-Pokal Debut Under New Coach
FC Schalke 04 is gearing up for their first round match in the DFB-Pokal against 1. FC Lok Leipzig, with coach Miron Muslic at the helm for the first time. This marks a significant milestone for the Royal Blues, as they aim to make a strong impression in the German football cup competition.
The match, scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 PM, will be broadcast on Sky. Miron Muslic has announced that Kenan Karaman will captain the team, with Karaman and Nikola Katic set to make their season debuts. Both players are fully fit, according to Muslic, and Katic will return to the starting lineup for the DFB-Pokal match.
Justin Heekeren is guaranteed a starting spot in goal, while Loris Karius remains the clear number one goalkeeper for Schalke in this match. Goalkeeper Heekeren's performance will be crucial, as the team has specifically prepared for their opponent in the DFB-Pokal match.
Miron Muslic believes the team needs to impose their game on Leipzig to maintain the upper hand. He emphasised the importance of a strong performance, stating that their goal is to reach the next round.
Meanwhile, there is uncertainty surrounding Taylan Bulut's participation in the match. Bulut, who has been excused from training, is reportedly a potential new employer for Besiktas Istanbul, with a transfer fee of approximately €6 million agreed upon. Bulut, who came through Schalke’s youth system and has featured for their senior team and Germany’s U19/U21 national teams, is expected to sign a contract running until 2030 and join Besiktas immediately after medical checks in Istanbul.
This transfer aligns with Besiktas’s strategy to strengthen their squad with young talent and provides competition for the right-back position, notably against Valentin Rosier. Schalke’s sporting director Youri Mulder confirmed the move was beneficial both sportingly and financially. Bulut himself thanked Schalke for his development and expressed optimism for his future at Besiktas.
As the DFB-Pokal match approaches, both teams are focused on securing a victory and progressing to the next round. The match will take place in Leipzig, with Schalke looking to make a strong start in their DFB-Pokal journey under their new coach.
