Alex Král: Put in a better performance than against Hoffenheim

“Hoffenheim were the better team in the first half. We didn’t pose any threat to them,” said the 24-year-old on Sunday’s game. “We have to be honest and say it wasn’t good enough from us.” Král himself was responsible for the own goal that gave the home team the lead. He unluckily turned home Angelino’s cross in the 22nd minute. Although the team certainly didn’t blame him for the goal, the midfielder was still frustrated with it the day after the game.

The players have now put the game firmly behind them, following a 90-minute video analysis session at the start of this week. “The coach showed us some footage to make us well aware of what we didn’t do well,” reported Král. “We need to be more solid at the back in the future. That was one of our biggest strengths during our unbeaten run. We also need to create chances and take them. We had two good opportunities against Hoffenheim, from which we hit the woodwork twice, but that still wasn’t enough from us,” explained S04’s number 30. “We weren’t dangerous enough in the closing minutes against a team that defended well.”

Full focus on Hertha

Friday’s game against Hertha BSC is already on the squad’s mind on the training ground. “It’s an extremely important game for us because Hertha are also fighting for survival,” stated Král, who was reluctant to describe it as a final. “We’ve still got seven games to go and there are plenty of points to play for. Nevertheless, we need to get something from the game!”

“We showed during the eight-game unbeaten run that we can do that,” he said. “We need to build on those performances to try and climb the table.” The 24-year-old is expecting a tight game against the Berliners. “It will be a very physical match, as was the case against them earlier this season. It’s important that we get stuck in, win the second balls and avoid giving away any silly fouls.”

Král and his fellow Schalke teammates want to make sure they get the win at the VELTINS-Arena on Friday. “The fans deserve that because they have been behind us all season. We are desperate to give them something back. We need to show a reaction against Hertha!”