FC Schalke 04's preparations for their Bundesliga away match at Union Berlin on Friday include a public training session and a warning from former Union player Robin Gosens. Gosens described the atmosphere at the Alte Försterei stadium as particularly intense, especially on a Friday evening.
How is Schalke preparing for the Union Berlin match?
On Tuesday, September 8, FC Schalke 04 invited fans to a public training session on pitches two and three at their training ground in Gelsenkirchen. The session started at 10:45 AM. Afterwards, depending on weather conditions, there were opportunities for autographs and photos with the players. This initiative is part of the build-up to the top match on Friday, September 11, at 8:30 PM. Manager Miron Muslic provided further insights into the plans for the clash with Berlin in a press conference at 2:00 PM on the same Tuesday. The current standings show Union in an upper-table position, while Schalke sits in 15th place with one point from two games.
What does former Union player Robin Gosens say about the match?
Robin Gosens, who made 39 competitive appearances for Union Berlin, has mixed feelings about the reunion. "It will definitely be a tough one. A wonderful stadium, I loved playing football there," said the Schalke professional. At the same time, he warned his teammates and described the challenge. "Especially on a Friday evening, the place will be rocking," Gosens added. His statements highlight the unique character of the venue in Köpenick. For Schalke, it is the first Bundesliga meeting with Union since the 2022/23 season, which yielded mixed results.
What is the historical record against Union Berlin?
The last meeting between the two teams in the Bundesliga ended in a goalless 0:0 draw at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Schalke's home game in the same season, however, was far more one-sided. Union Berlin won 6:1 in Gelsenkirchen on that occasion and led 3:1 at halftime. These results show the variable nature of the fixtures. So far this season, Schalke has scored three goals but conceded seven, resulting in a negative goal difference of minus four. The defense is therefore a key focus in preparation.
What significance does the match hold for the current season?
The away match at Union Berlin marks an important point in the early phase of the season for Schalke. After taking just one point from their first two matches and with a recent form of loss and draw (LD), Miron Muslic's team urgently needs a positive impulse. In the overall table, the team is currently five points behind leaders SC Freiburg. A success in Berlin could mean closing the gap to the mid-table ranks. The next challenge after the Union match is already in sight: On November 21, Schalke hosts RB Leipzig, who are currently in seventh place. You can find the complete schedule on our fixtures page.
The information regarding the public training and press conference was originally reported by Ruhr24. For detailed squad information on both teams, it's worth checking our squad overview. The duel on Friday evening in Berlin is scheduled for 8:30 PM.
