Muslic “grateful” as Schalke seal Bundesliga return

The Royal Blues head coach could barely contain his emotions at full-time as Schalke confirmed their long-awaited return to Germany’s top flight, with players and staff alike echoing the same sense of pride and relief.

Miron Muslic celebrates promotion with his squad and fans

Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images

Stepping out in front of a packed Veltins-Arena, knowing that victory would secure promotion, the pressure on Schalke could hardly have been greater.

Yet, as they have done throughout the season, Miron Muslic’s side rose to the occasion. Captain Kenan Karaman proved the difference, calmly converting in the first half to seal a 1-0 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf and send Schalke back to the Bundesliga for the first time since 2023.

Muslic has been the architect of this remarkable turnaround and has rightly earned widespread praise. Amid ongoing off-field challenges, including financial uncertainty and instability at board level, guiding a side that finished just three points above the relegation play-off places last season to automatic promotion is an extraordinary achievement.

“I’m very grateful. From day one, I had the feeling that I was accepted here just as I am. Always getting back up - that fits Schalke. That’s why I feel so comfortable here,” Muslic told Sky after the match.

The celebrations were made even sweeter by confirmation that his contract has automatically been extended until 2028, capping a memorable night for the club.

A decisive factor in Schalke’s promotion push was their bold mid-season tactical shift - a gamble that paid off. That change was accompanied by key additions to the squad, most notably the arrival of 40-year-old Edin Džeko, whose experience proved invaluable during the run-in with six goals in nine games. 

Asked about his future and the prospect of playing in the Bundesliga - including the derby against Borussia Dortmund - Džeko remained coy: “Let’s see. First, we celebrate. But I am very, very happy that I made the decision to join FC Schalke. We’ve secured our place, and that’s what matters. Now we’ll see what happens tomorrow. We want to finish first.”

Karaman’s decisive strike, his 14th of the campaign, underlined his importance to the side. Having endured difficult seasons with the club, the captain spoke emotionally after the final whistle: “The last few years haven’t been easy. Now a huge weight has been lifted. I still can’t believe it. I’m incredibly proud, especially of the team. We absolutely deserved this.”

He added with a smile: “Now we’re going to celebrate - it’s party time!”

Attention now turns to Paderborn’s result tomorrow. Anything other than a win for Ralf Kettemann’s side would see Schalke crowned champions, putting the finishing touch on a truly remarkable campaign.