West Ham United’s training methods have raised eyebrows in Russia with Alex Kral teaching his former Spartak Moscow team-mate about the levels of physicality required in the Premier League, as reported by Komsomolskaya Pravda.
Speaking just last month, Kral himself admitted that he needed time to adapt to life in the hustle and bustle of the English top flight.
“The coach (David Moyes) and I realise that I gradually have to get used to the pace and style of play we want to play,” said the Czech Republic international, who joined West Ham in August in a £12 million loan-to-buy deal.
“I need to know more about the system, the players. But I believe that I will gradually accumulate more minutes.
“I need to get used to training. (The sessions) are more intense. I just need to adapt. I need to work harder and harder.”
Given Moyes’ admiration for work-horses, such comments will have done his hopes of a more regular role in the West Ham set-up no harm at all. At least Kral knows where he needs to improve.
We can only assume, then, that Moyes still has reservations about throwing the poodle-haired enforcer into the deep end.
Kral was left on the bench once again during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
When will Alex Kral play his first Premier League game?
“I talked with Kral. When he told me that the guys were doing strength training two days before a game, I was surprised,” admits Spartak Moscow defender and Russia international Georgi Dzhikiya.
“But when you watch the English league, you understand that there are athletes there.
“I try to collect a lot of information from Italy, England and France. It is interesting to listen to.”
Securing qualification for the Europa League knock-out stages thanks to a 2-2 draw with Jupiler League outfit KRC Genk, it remains to be seen if Moyes hands Kral only his second West Ham start during Thursday’s dead rubber clash with Rapid Vienna.
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