Tom Krauß: When the call came, I didn’t have to think too hard

“I became a Schalke fan as a young lad through my best friend,” says the Leipzig-born Royal Blue. Tom Krauß learned his trade playing football in his home city; first he represented Sachsen Leipzig before moving to the RB Leipzig academy. Krauß then spent last season on loan at 1. FC Nürnberg

And now he has arrived in Gelsenkirchen. “When the call came, I didn’t think about it for too long. For me it was obvious immediately. I have the chance to play for Schalke – that is what I want to do,” says Krauß, who also received plenty of interest from other clubs. His support for the Knappen wasn’t the only factor in his decision, however. “I had some outstanding discussions with Rouven Schröder and Frank Kramer.”  Krauß has known his coach for a while now, having once played under Frank Kramer for Germany under 18s.

In the first few friendlies of 2022/23, the midfielder who describes himself as a “box-to-box player” has already given the fans a glimpse of what he is all about. The man himself, though, says that he is yet to reach his best form. “I’m working hard every day, I give my all to better myself,” says Krauß. “Every day I’m excited to have a fresh chance to head onto the pitch with the Schalke badge on my chest and to have the opportunity to train here.”

Excitement building for the first home match

Right from his very first training session, the 21-year-old felt “how much energy lies within this club. At the public training sessions I always notice how invested the fans are. It’s cool when you know that people are interested in the club, and interested in you as a player.  I really enjoy that feeling.” That’s why the new signing is already looking forward to Schalke Day on July 24th. “I’ve heard that there will be loads going on. I’m really excited about being able to experience the day.”

Krauß and co. still have plenty of work to do before the season officially gets underway. “Preseason is so demanding, but that’s just a part of it. We’re getting ourselves in shape for the new season so that we can achieve our goal of remaining in the Bundesliga.”

The right-footer can hardly wait for the start of the season. A special highlight for Krauß will be running out in front of the home crowd for the very first time. “When I think about that first time playing in front of a sold-out VELTINS-Arena – that will be a dream come true for me,” he says. The first opportunity could come as soon as the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach and for Krauß it just can’t come soon enough.