Schalke central defender Nikola Katic heads into Saturday’s fixture against 1. In an interview published by Welt and Sport Bild, the 30-year-old center-back addressed his strict pre-match routines, his path through the lower leagues of Croatia, and his sharp perspective on younger professional athletes.
Strict Disciplines That Shape Schalke’s Defense
Katic, whom coach Miron Muslic recently labeled an “old warrior” due to his uncompromising style of play, maintains strict boundaries away from the pitch. When asked about rules he refuses to break, Katic explained that he never stays out late the night before a match, choosing instead to remain at home. He believes that strict personal discipline directly dictates performance on the field.
That rigid outlook also governs his view of modern locker room culture. Addressing how he would react to a teammate arriving with dyed pink hair, Katic admitted he would say nothing initially but maintained a firm personal stance. “Such a thing makes you look weak,” Katic said, expanding his critique beyond football to society at large.
Comparing Generations and Valuing Hard Work
Reflecting on generational shifts, Katic argued that his own age group is stronger, more respectful, and far less entitled. At age 30, he expressed deep gratitude for his career milestones—representing his national team, playing in the Bundesliga for Schalke, and earning a livelihood while remaining healthy. He emphasized that he strives to model that industrious attitude daily for younger squad members.
That worldview stems directly from his childhood in Bosnia. His mother managed the household for him and his brother, while his father served in the army before taking on multiple jobs. “Nothing was given to us; my parents worked hard,” Katic said, noting that his father’s subsequent severe illness during Katic’s early adulthood forced him to shoulder family responsibilities as the eldest son.
Hitchhiking to Training Sessions in Croatia
Before moving to the Scottish Premiership with the Glasgow Rangers, Katic spent formative years playing in the third tier of Croatian football. Crossing the nearby border required overcoming logistical hurdles because his parents lacked free time. Alongside a companion, Katic routinely hitchhiked to training sessions.
The teenagers walked to the border, passed through controls, and waited at a large parking lot behind the checkpoint to secure rides from motorists. While acknowledging that modern parents would find such unsupervised travel unthinkable, Katic credited the experience with teaching him to distinguish trustworthy people from untrustworthy ones.
During that stint in the Croatian lower divisions, Katic earned less than 150 euros per month, a sum he nevertheless considered a fortune at the time. Despite the modest financial compensation, he maintained absolute confidence in reaching the professional ranks, guided by the parental mantra that greater effort yields greater reward.
Close Ties With Edin Dzeko
Away from Schalke, Katic spent a year living as a neighbor to compatriot Edin Dzeko prior to the forward’s recent move to Düsseldorf. The two regularly watched football together each evening. Katic praised Dzeko not only as an exceptional striker—arguing that his career achievements at clubs like Manchester City and Inter Milan leave him widely underappreciated relative to his origin—but also as a dependable confidant for private advice.
Regarding Dzeko’s future when he eventually hangs up his boots, Katic dismissed the idea of his friend becoming a coach, citing the challenges of managing today’s younger players. Instead, Katic suggested that Dzeko’s extensive multilingual network and high-level experience make him an ideal candidate for a sports director role.
Match Details Against 1. FC Köln
Schalke faces 1. FC Köln on Saturday at 15:30 local time (CET). The fixture is scheduled for broadcast on Sky, with additional live updates provided via the Welt live ticker.
