Schalke’s Bundesliga homecoming after 1,024 days comes against Bayern

Schalke’s Bundesliga homecoming after more than 1,000 days could hardly be more difficult. The promoted club will welcome record champion Bayern Munich on Saturday evening in a sold-out arena holding more than 60,000 spectators.

Coach Miron Muslic called Bayern “the maximum challenge,” but he does not view the matchup as a disadvantage. “We invested a lot to be in the Bundesliga. Now we have to face the competition and play against every team, including the best. We are really looking forward to this game,” he said.

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The maximum challenge

Schalke can draw confidence from its home record in the second division. The club lost only once at home last season and went unbeaten in 14 consecutive league matches in its arena. Bayern will put that run under severe pressure, especially after Schalke opened its return to the top flight with a 3-0 defeat at Augsburg.

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We invested a lot to be in the Bundesliga. Now we have to face the competition and play against every team, including the best. We are really looking forward to this game.

Muslic said his team was not yet at 100 percent, but remained highly motivated. “We will not let ourselves be thrown off course, no matter how the game ends. We remain firm in our belief and firm on our path,” he said. He also stressed that Schalke understood its position as a Bundesliga newcomer.

Edin Džeko adds another storyline. The 40-year-old has scored four goals in his past five Bundesliga appearances against Bayern, including two in Wolfsburg’s famous 5-1 home win during its 2009 title-winning season. His playing time will depend on the match, Muslic said, although Džeko is getting fitter each day. He is also looking forward to seeing Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, his former Manchester City teammate and captain.

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We will not let ourselves be thrown off course, no matter how the game ends. We remain firm in our belief and firm on our path.