Schalke 04 made its return to the Bundesliga after a three-year absence with a 3-0 loss to Augsburg, but the match was marked by strong fan support. Around 6,000 supporters traveled to the game and remained long after the final whistle, showing their continued loyalty to the club. In Gelsenkirchen, where Schalke is based, fans wearing the club's traditional blue and white colors arrived by various means to show their backing. Professor Frank Eckardt highlighted the deep emotional connection between the fans and the club, emphasizing that Schalke is considered a vital part of the city's identity. Schalke's recent history has been challenging. The club fell to Bundesliga 2 for the first time in 21 years and faced financial difficulties, including massive debts, the absence of European qualification, and the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Though they returned to the top flight in 2022, their success was short-lived, and they dropped back to the second tier for the next three seasons. Their recent performances have been mixed, with a 10th-place finish followed by a more disappointing 14th-place result, just two spots above the relegation play-off. German football expert Mark Lovell suggested that Schalke's struggles were partly due to the pressure of expectation, as the club was expected to perform despite financial constraints. Lovell noted that Schalke had often been their own worst enemy, overreaching in their ambitions and ultimately facing relegation. To address these issues, the club has brought in new leadership, including Miron Muslic, a former Plymouth Argyle manager who led Schalke back to the Bundesliga last year. Robin Haack, a local journalist, described Muslic as a key figure in the club's revival, with his high-press style and dedication reflecting the working-class spirit of Gelsenkirchen. Frank Baumann, former director of football at Werder Bremen and a Germany international, joined Schalke in June 2025. Andreas Ernst, another local reporter, explained that Baumann has had to rebuild the club from scratch with limited resources. Lovell praised Baumann as a top football professional and a person of integrity, qualities that Schalke had previously lacked. One of Baumann’s most notable signings was Edin Dzeko, a former Manchester City forward who joined after a difficult period with Fiorentina in Italy. Dzeko has already scored eight goals in 13 games, including two in Schalke's DFB Pokal win this season. Muslic has described Dzeko as an idol, comparing him to football legends like Gary Lineker and Franz Beckenbauer. Dzeko’s experience in top European leagues is expected to be crucial for Schalke’s future. Schalke defender Christian Fuchs has praised Dzeko for the respect he commands and his role in shaping the club's culture. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius has also found a new home at Schalke, regaining a starting position and becoming a key player under Muslic. Muslic has called Karius the face of the new Schalke, symbolizing resilience and a fresh approach. Other players have also found stability at the club after difficult periods in their careers. As the season progresses, Schalke will face Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga champions, in their first home game. While this match won't determine the season, the performance at the Veltins-Arena—packed with 62,000 passionate fans—will be significant. Fuchs believes Schalke belongs in the Bundesliga and hopes to stay there for a long time. While fan expectations are low this season, with many just hoping to avoid relegation, Muslic emphasized that the club is humble but ambitious, focusing on staying in the Bundesliga for another year.