Overview
- Schalke leads the 2. Bundesliga with 37 points after 17 matches, as Miron Muslic emphasizes a step-by-step approach and avoids promotion talk.
- The coach cites a need for greater efficiency after just 22 Hinrunde goals and plans to start Karaman, Sylla and Gomis at Hertha on Saturday.
- Depth in attack is strained with Lasme, Höjlund, Antwi-Adjei and Bachmann still sidelined, Younes viewed as a poor tactical fit, and Tchibara only just rejoining matchday squads.
- Sport chief Frank Baumann is chasing affordable offensive help before the Feb. 2 deadline; Capita is mentioned as an option, though reports say he is neither the preferred target nor inexpensive.
- Reports link Union Berlin’s Marin Ljubicic with a possible loan and identify Emmen’s Romano Postema as a summer target, while Sylla is expected to remain this month and Gomis continues to receive public backing.