Alex Schalk shot Urawa Red Diamonds to the semi-finals of the Club World Cup on Friday. As a result, ‘Der Bomber van Breda’ and his Japanese club await a clash with superpower Manchester City on Tuesday evening. “Kevin De Bruyne’s shirt would be nice.”
Just as the interview has been going on, there is suddenly a shout on the other end of the line. It is Bryan Linssen, Schalk’s teammate at Urawa since this season. “Bryan shouts at me to hurry up. He wants to finish our game of cards,” Schalk tells NU.nl with a laugh.
The 31-year-old attacker has little time for games these days. Since his goal against the Mexican Club Léon (0-1 win) in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup, with which he sent his club to a semi-final against Manchester City as a substitute, his phone has been ringing off the hook.
“It’s a madhouse. I have received a lot of responses and interview requests. Nice, you know. Players at my level only experience this once in their lives, with all due respect,” says Schalk, former striker of NAC Breda, Go, among others. Ahead Eagles, Ross County and FC Servette, and since March last year playing for Urawa in the Japanese J1 League.
By ‘this’ Schalk is of course referring to his goal at the highest club tournament in the world. This made ‘Der Bomber van Breda’, a nickname that dates back to his NAC days, the third Dutchman to score at the Club World Cup. Previously, only Romeo Castelen (2014) and Clarence Seedorf (2007) did that.
0:41Play button
Schalk shoots Urawa Red Diamonds to semi-finals of the World Cup for Clubs
Police escort and security
But Schalk is also amazed by everything that happens off the field in the Saudi city of Jeddah, where the World Cup for Clubs is held. The originally down-to-earth Brabander thinks he’s a superstar these days.
“FIFA has arranged everything. We flew first class from Japan to Saudi Arabia. We go to training and the stadium with a police escort. There is security day and night and a driver at the door if we leave the hotel. going out.”
“Even if we have a cup of coffee, someone comes along. As a Dutch person, I am a bit too down-to-earth for that. On the other hand: when FIFA treats Manchester City with all the respect as a Champions League winner, we deserve the same.”
After all, Urawa won the Asian equivalent of the European club tournament last year by beating Saudi Al Hilal in the final. Remarkably, the Japanese team was eliminated early from the Asian Champions League this year.
Just before leaving for Jeddah, Urawa was cheered on by many supporters on the training field. “That was special. This club is a bit like the Feyenoord of Japan, a club with a raw edge. That suits me. I have always played for clubs with such a raw edge.”
Unfortunately, this content cannot be displayed. We do not have permission for the necessary cookies. Please accept cookies to view this content.
Change cookie settings
Flags and pens from Schalk
Yet Schalk did not always have an easy time in Japan during his year and a half. The Breda native struggled with injuries and missed many matches. In September this year he broke his foot. Schalk has only been fit again in the past few weeks.
“Of course I would have liked to play more, but don’t forget that the Japanese league is of a high level. Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham Hotspur coach, ed.) worked here and once said that the J1 League is the best league after the five Europe top leagues . That says enough.”
“I am happy with this adventure. Japan is a fantastic country. And you are greatly appreciated here. I have key rings, pens and flags with my head on it. You can’t imagine it so crazy. But people always remain respectful, even when I walk down the street with my girlfriend.”
Schalk’s stay in Japan will end in a maximum of two matches – the semi-final and a possible final or consolation final of the Club World Cup. His contract expires at the end of December. “I chose the right time to peak,” he jokes.
The attacker would like to return to his old love NAC. “After my goal, I have already received many calls from clubs all over the world. I am fit and still have a few years to go. But let’s play two more games first. Then we will see.”
Alex Schalk more than ten years ago in the shirt of NAC, the club of his heart. Photo: ANP
Shirt by De Bruyne
After all, the best match of his career awaits Schalk against Manchester City. The striker knows that on paper Urawa has little chance against the English star ensemble, which won the Champions League for the first time in club history last season and is therefore playing at the Club World Cup.
“But on the other hand: Crystal Palace also held City to 2-2 on Saturday. I also know that we need luck to win. But why should we be afraid? It is especially nice to play against the best in the world .Let’s enjoy that.”
“I have always been a fan of Kevin De Bruyne. Last year we practiced against Paris Saint-Germain. Then I received Lionel Messi’s shirt afterwards. Which shirt do I want to score now? De Bruyne’s would be nice.”
While Linssen jokingly calls Schalk again to come and play cards, ‘Der Bomber van Breda’ talks about his dream scenario. “Scoring and winning. My most special goal is the one for Ross County in the Scottish Cup final in 2016 at Hampden Park. But when I score against City, that is without a doubt my best.”
Alex Schalk doesn’t know where to look after his winning goal against Club Léon. Photo: Getty Images
2023-12-19 04:08:00
#Alex #Schalk #aiming #starring #role #City #stars #afraid #NU.nl
