In his inaugural press conference since assuming the managerial position at Schalke, Miron Muslic has articulated his objectives for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
“I was really excited and pumped about Schalke,” the 42-year-old stated. “When someone encounters Schalke for the first time, something happens right away. I didn't hesitate for a second. It just felt instinctively right to me.”
Muslic expressed a desire to tackle the challenges ahead with optimism, stating, “We want to approach it with positivity and enthusiasm, and work our way forward step by step on all levels.”
Previously, Muslic managed Plymouth Argyle, who experienced relegation this season, though he received commendations for his leadership.
Regarding his approach at Schalke, he emphasized the importance of an intense playing style: “We want to be active, ramp up the intensity. Our game is defined by aggressiveness, intensity, constant pressure on the opponent, immediate switching, and directness.”
He acknowledged the necessity for a quick, responsive mindset among players, stating, “This also requires a high readiness for quick action, being constantly online. It will be a process, but we will see the first progress relatively soon."
A notable aspect of Muslic's reputation is his people skills, highlighted by a viral introduction video during his time at Plymouth. He aims to bring these skills to Veltins Arena, saying, “I know how to deal with people, with the staff and players. I am demanding and clear so that everyone knows their role."
Muslic began his managerial career in Austria with SV Ried and Florisdorfer AC, later leading Cercle Brugge to European competition for the first time.
He remarked on the parallels between his life experiences and those of the Gelsenkirchen community, commenting, “Not an easy time, constantly having to fight against obstacles, having to work hard for everything, staying unyielding. I therefore think that I fit in very well here, also as a person.”
Last season, Schalke finished 14th in the Zweite Liga, and the club aims to ascend the standings and reclaim their status in the Bundesliga. With FC Köln and Hamburg having been promoted recently, Muslic faces the challenge of transforming Schalke into a competitive force in the second tier.
Schalke's domestic campaign is set to commence in the first round of the DFB-Pokal in August, where they will face Regionalliga side Lokomotiv Leipzig.
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