The transfer of Jordan Larsson was associated with high hopes for Schalke 04. So far, however, the Swede has fallen well short of expectations.
For this reason, Peter Knäbel is now increasing the pressure on the winger. “In the games in which he was substituted on, he swam along. But we didn’t get him for that, that can’t be his self-image either,” the sports director told WAZ clearly.
Larsson has yet to collect a single scorer point this season. He was only used three times from the start, after the dismissal of Frank Kramer it was just enough for 57 minutes of action in five games.
The Royal Blues hope that the 25-year-old can collect himself during the World Cup break and return to the Bundesliga relegation battle with renewed vigour. “The long time is great so you can look at the player individually. Couldn’t he? Didn’t he want to? Is it in the muscles? Is it in the head? We’ll do everything we can to find out which button he is press,” explains Knäbel.
At the same time, the 56-year-old makes it clear that patience at the traditional club is finite. Of course Larsson needs time to get used to a new club, a new system and a new position. “So far, however, time has passed without one having the feeling that there is a great impact. And we don’t have forever left either. That’s professional football,” he demands from the left foot for a timely increase in performance.
If this does not happen, the separation could occur after just a few months. At least the WAZ puts this scenario in the room. According to the newspaper, Schalke have not yet given up on the new signing. Nevertheless, he has to show more in the friendlies in January than before. The table-18. will not only sign players during the winter break, but also hand them over.
This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as Knäbel puts pressure on Schalke star: “We didn’t get him for that”.
