Two top teams in the league face each other

Fraser Hornby and Killian Corredor trained throughout the entire week. They were very robust and completed even the most intense sessions. We are optimistic that nothing will stand in the way of their participation. It’s a great feeling to have them back. Both bring a personality that is a real asset to our team. They also provide depth in our play, offering numerous runs in behind the defence and contributing to our pressing. This helps maintain the right balance within our squad.

Every team in the league has to deal with injuries from time to time. Since Christmas, we’ve had a lot of key players sidelined repeatedly – ​​some for extended periods. But I’ve been very pleased with the lads who’ve picked up a lot of points for us in recent games. We’ve shown that we have incredible depth in our squad. It’s also about team cohesion, structure, and roles within the team. The most important thing is that we’re a strong group. We won’t let setbacks break us. The lads who are coming back are obviously crucial because they’re taking on leadership roles. This also gives us incredible options for bringing on fresh legs from the bench. We have a lot of guys there who have played crucial roles for us in recent weeks.

The questions about the league table aren’t annoying. They actually indicate that we’re in a very good position in mid- to late March. And yet, I’m not looking at the table because it won’t affect Saturday’s game. The table doesn’t influence what will happen on Saturday. What’s clear is that two top teams in this league are facing each other. To deny that would be nonsense: it’s the league leaders playing the second-placed team. And in a situation where it’s clear that the winner will be top of the table after this match. Schalke has a structure, a pressing game, and quick transitions, where clear patterns of play are evident. They also possess incredible individual quality. They have all the attributes of a top team. Accordingly, we’re looking forward to a top match on Saturday evening.

Schalke used the winter transfer window to dramatically improve the quality of their squad – especially in attack. They’ve adapted their playing style accordingly. In the first half of the season, Schalke scored goals – in the best sense of the word – through aggressive pressing, quick transitions, and set pieces. Now they’re still a team that presses extremely high and brings a lot of physicality and power to the pitch. However, Schalke also has some creative options from their back line to set up their attacking players. Yes, Edin Dzeko has been a key factor in Schalke’s attacking play in recent weeks. But he’s now being replaced by Moussa Sylla, a striker who scored 16 goals last season.

We’ve shown versatility this season. That’s one of our greatest strengths. In attack, we can be dangerous in many situations – whether through possession, set pieces, counter-attacks, or even situational direct passes behind our defence. Possession remains our strongest phase, though. It will be crucial that we find the right balance again. Defensively, we’ll have to play both phases: We’ll have to defend deep, which is normal in top matches. Schalke will certainly have to do the same. Furthermore, we need to be highly active to impose our style of play.

Thank you for the kind words from Miron Muslic at yesterday’s press conference. It’s always gratifying to hear such praise from a renowned expert. Overall, Schalke is having an outstanding season under his leadership – with their style of football and their identity. This is coupled with a squad that complements their style perfectly and covers a vast range of aspects of their game. The calm atmosphere within the club, their playing identity, and the individual quality: all of these elements have come together for Schalke this season. That’s why they’re where they are in the standings. We’re all looking forward to an exciting match between the two teams. Because ultimately, the players are what matter most, not the coaches.