There are few clubs in Germany comparable to FC Schalke 04.
As one of the oldest and most traditional clubs in Germany, with a very emotional and impatient fanbase, Schalke has been a key part of the Bundesliga for most of its history.
However, die Königsblauen also has a reputation as a club of chaos.
After multiple rough years and many bad player and coach signings, Schalke spiralled downwards towards the relegation zone and was relegated in 2021.
After a coaching change during that season, the club was promoted back to the Bundesliga, but after just one season in the top flight, Schalke had to go back to 2. Bundesliga.
Not even 10 years after magical nights in the UEFA Champions League with players like Manuel Neuer and Leon Goretzka playing for the team, Schalke hit rock bottom, finishing in the bottom half of the 2. Bundesliga two years in a row.
During the summer of 2025, Schalke made major changes, hiring Frank Baumann as a new CSO and Miron Muslić as manager.
So far, its worked.
After nine matchdays, Schalke currently sit in second place behind only SV Elversberg.
In a great position to fight for promotion back to the Bundesliga, Miron Muslić tactics created a new dynamic and enthusiasm for the club.
In this Schalke tactical analysis, we will examine how Muslić quickly transformed Schalke back into a good team, what defines their style of play, and what tactics the Austrian coach has brought to Gelsenkirchen.
Miron Muslić Perfectly Crafted Game Plans
Schalke is a bit of a special case when it comes to the values the club represents.
Due to its geographical location in the Ruhrgebiet, Schalke has always been a club for the working class.
With the region on a downward economic trajectory, football has become a very important part of life for people in Gelsenkirchen.
The fanbase is very emotional and integral to the clubs identity, and they expect a very clear playstyle from the players on the pitch.
Schalke is a Malocherclub, which means that instead of playing liquid football, the clubs identity revolves around high intensity, high work rate, and fighting it out on the pitch.
When Frank Baumann took over the club, he decided to hire a coach who would not just live with these circumstances but embrace them.
Schalke under Miron Muslić defines itself through its work against the ball.
Just like his Cercle Brugge team, Schalke are incredibly aggressive with their approach while pressing and have a very high intensity in their counterpress, making them one of the most intense teams in football right now.
Muslić has his men incred





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