Preparations for the next season have already begun in Schalke 04, regardless of whether the club will return to the German Bundesliga or remain in the second tier of the competition.
The sports director of the club from Gelsenkirchen, Frank Baumann, spoke about the plans for the next period and emphasized that there could be significant changes in the playing staff during the summer.
Schalke are currently in good form in the second Bundesliga, but Baumann did not want to talk about a certain return to the elite ranks of German football.
“We deliberately did not set a specific goal for this season. We have a few more games ahead of us and we will see what the final outcome will be,” said Baumann, recalling that expectations at the beginning of the season were much more modest.
The club, however, is already making plans for both scenarios. The management of Schalke is preparing a strategy for a possible return to the Bundesliga, but also for another season in the second league.
“We don’t wait until the end of May to find out in which league we will play and only then start planning,” emphasized the sports director.
One thing, he says, is almost certain. Due to the financial situation, the club will probably have to sell some of the key players during the summer transfer window.
Transfer income will be important to stabilize the budget and bring in new reinforcements.
“There could be a lot of transfers. We will have to carefully assess where we can strengthen ourselves,” said Baumann.
He also spoke about the situation in the professional staff. Schalke coach Miron Muslić has a buyout clause in his contract, but according to the sports director, his departure is not a realistic option at the moment.
“Miron is very happy at Schalke. The fans should not worry that he will leave the club soon,” he said.
It remains an open question what will happen to the other Bosnian footballers in the team, first of all Nikola Katić and Edin Džeko.
Katic, who plays as a stopper, scored one goal and registered three assists in 23 league appearances this season. He has a contract with Schalke until 2028, but in case of a good offer, it is not excluded that he will change the midfield.
Experienced striker Edin Dzeko quickly established himself as an important player of the team after his arrival in January. In seven appearances, he scored five goals and registered three assists, thus becoming the mainstay of the attack.
However, given that he is 39 years old and has a contract that only lasts until the end of the season, his future at the club remains uncertain.
(Vijesti.ba)
