FC Schalke 04 kicks off Bundesliga preparations in front of around 3,700 fans

Physically, athletically, technically, tactically, and mentally, the Bundesliga will demand "noch mehr abverlangen in allen Bereichen" from his team, Muslic explained. Even now it is foreseeable that the Königsblauen will be challenged in every match to hold their own at this level.

For the opening session, the coach still had to do without the two World Cup travelers Nikola Katic and Dejan Ljubicic. In addition, national team players who are still involved in the tournament were missing. Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko, who was one of the key players in last season's promotion campaign, has been back in team training since July 1.

New Faces and Open Personnel Questions

In the coming weeks, the Schalke squad will play several friendlies, including at FC Gütersloh. According to the club, the first competitive match of the season is scheduled for the 24th [date according to the club]. By then, Muslic wants to gradually bring his team up to Bundesliga level.

At the start of training, the club also presented some new faces. "Die Profile passen wunderbar in unsere Spielidee. Diese Profile haben wir im zentralen Mittelfeld und auch in der Sturmposition gebraucht", Muslic raved, while also looking ahead. "Jeder Neuzugang ist herzlich willkommen", he said.

Meanwhile, not all personnel questions have been resolved. While further potential signings such as Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Junior Dina Ebimbe are being speculated about, captain Kenan Karaman is hoping for additional reinforcements. "Ich denke, wir haben schon jetzt einige Spieler, die das Level in der Bundesliga gehen können. Wir sind in einem sehr guten Austausch", Muslic said on the matter.

Outlook: Competitive Debut on the 24th

In addition to the new signings, players such as Satoshi Tanaka were also on the pitch for the start. A training camp and further sessions, including in preparation for the upcoming league routine, are planned in the Stubai Valley area in the coming weeks. "Wir haben schon vor der WM besprochen, dass wir das nach der WM besprechen", Muslic explained regarding the decisions still pending.

The atmosphere at the Berger Feld was noticeably marked by anticipation. The supporters celebrated their team with applause and already sang the first songs of the season. The club wants to use this support to convince in the Bundesliga – also against strong opponents such as Hallescher FC or KSV Hessen Kassel in the friendlies.

It is still unclear in what formation Schalke will line up on the first Bundesliga matchday. Muslic indicated that certain positions will only be definitively assigned in the coming weeks. Dzeko and the new signings are expected to play a key role in attack and re-establish the club in the Bundesliga.