The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Schalk: Deal me in Staggies
Premiership: Dutch attacker keen to take another prize Pittodrie scalp
County forward Alex Schalk has started talks about extending his contract with the Highlanders. Dutchman Schalk has scored six goals in his second season with the Staggies, after scoring nine times last term, and is out of contract in the summer.
The 24-year-old, pictured, joined County on a free transfer in October 2015 after leaving Go Ahead Eagles and is planning to advance discussions after County’s next two games, with today’s Premiership match against Aberdeen followed by the trip to Hearts on Wednesday.
Schalk said: “We’re already in talks now and I’m really positive about staying.
“We need to focus really hard on getting wins, results and points. I want my focus fully on the games. We play Saturday and Wednesday, so that means it’s too busy to think about other things. The weekend after we have a weekend off so we will go further with that. “But I’m really happy here and I’m positive about it.” County face a Dons team in excellent form at Pittodrie today, with Derek McInnes’ side winning nine of its last 10 matches.
The sequence included a 1-0 victory against the Staggies at Victoria Park in the Scottish Cup earlier this month, but Schalk is relishing today’s encounter.
He added: “They’re a really good side. They’ve been getting a lot of points lately, so it will be a hard game like it was in the cup game up here. That was really tight, but I think it’s time to beat them again.
“We like to play Aberdeen. I scored in the 4-0 win at Pittodrie last season. I remember we also beat them 2-0 here when Brian Graham scored twice. Since I’ve been here we’ve beaten them quite often, so I’m always looking forward to playing Aberdeen.
“They’re a good side with very good players so we need to step up and show them we are a good side as well.”
County have taken just one point from their last four league games, and Schalk knows an improvement is needed for top-six hopes.
He said: “We’re not really on a good run now, but we’re confident enough to say we’ve got more quality here than what we are showing.
“It’s all about eight finals that are left to get into the top six. That’s the target for us and I’d be very disappointed if we didn’t make it.
“I’m really confident we will. We’re going into a couple of games now where we just need to get points.
“We need to pick up points first before we can really look up the way. That starts on Saturday.” Former manager Claudio Ranieri has said his “dream died” when Premier League champions Leicester sacked him.
The Italian led the Foxes to the title last season but wasdismissedonThursday with the club a point above the relegation zone.
Leicester have lost their last five league games and are yet to score in the top flight in 2017 ahead of Monday’s visit of Liverpool.
“Yesterday my dream died,” Ranieri said. “After the euphoria of last season and being crowned Premier League champions all I dreamed of was staying with Leicester City, the club I love, for always.
“Sadly this was not to be. I wish to thank my wife Rosanna and all my family for their never ending support during my time at Leicester.”
He also thanked his agents, Steve Kutner and Franco Granello, and added his appreciation for backroom staff members Paolo Benetti and Andrea Azzalin, whodeparted with him.
“Mostly I have to thank Leicester City Football Club. The adventure was amazing and will live with me forever,” Ranieri said.
“Thank you to all the journalists and the media who came with us and enjoyed reporting on the greatest story in football.
“My heartfelt thanks to everybody at the club, all the players, the staff, everybody who was there and was part of what we achieved. But mostly to the supporters. You took me into your hearts from day one and loved me. I love you too.
“No one can ever take away what we together have achieved, and I hope you think about it and smile every day the way I always will.”