New at Schalke: Kral was frustrated at West Ham – Larsson from S04 convinced

One of 15 Schalke additions

After an unsatisfactory year on loan at West Ham United, Alex Kral wants to play an important role again at FC Schalke 04. The 24-year-old defensive midfielder moved from his home club Spartak Moscow to the Royal Blues until June 2023. In doing so, Kral used the special transfer regulation for foreign professionals in Russia and Ukraine, which FIFA had extended until next year as a result of the war of aggression. In the 2021/22 season, the Czech played just six games with the Hammers under David Moyes, with a total playing time of 255 minutes. He couldn’t explain why that was.

“I didn’t get a clear answer from the coach. Mentally, the time in London was difficult for me because I didn’t get a chance to show myself. Despite this, I always behaved professionally and never caused a bad mood. Only in the car after the training sessions could I let all my emotions out,” said Kral in an interview with the “WAZ“.

Played at Spartak: Kral convinced Larsson from Schalke

The professional is one of a total of 15 newcomers to Schalke (including permanent loan players). With another, offensive player Jordan Larsson (25), Kral helped a lot before the commitment. Larsson’s contract with Spartak had previously been terminated. “Jordan and I got along well in Moscow and are friends. Of course I advised him to switch to Schalke and sent him some photos from the training ground. Here he can take the next step in his career because he has a good chance of playing time,” reveals Kral. Both played 56 games together.

If the tense political situation in Russia does not change, he would not want to return there. “If the conflict is resolved and there are no problems with the visa, I can generally imagine playing for Spartak again,” said Kral. In principle, the right-footer has a hard time with an answer regarding his future beyond the summer. “There are still so many unanswered questions, that’s why I only look from training to training, from game to game. But what I can say is that I feel very comfortable at Schalke.”

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