Plenty to look forward to as new coach steps in

AFTER a frustrating couple of weeks with injury, I’m back in full training. I haven’t had any dramas in training this week so hopefully I’m in contention for this Sunday’s game against Melbourne City.

It’s been a big week for the club with Josep Gombau coming in as head coach. I’m happy for the club, not just the first team but in the grand scheme, it’s a very good appointment. Our supporters will see what he’s about and the culture and philosophy he brings. I’ve worked under him before when I was part of the Hyundai A-League All Stars team that played against Juventus in 2014. I learnt so much in that short time so now that he’s here for the long term it’s going to be great. He’s got a very attacking mindset, he wants possession of the ball and he wants to play a style the fans and the players will enjoy.

It’s also a big week for the Socceroos as they look to qualify for the World Cup by getting past Honduras. I can imagine going to a place like Honduras will be similar to what I experienced in Uruguay in 2005 with the Socceroos squad.

I remember being on the bus and they’re throwing rocks and eggs at the windows and you close the curtains to feel that bit safer. In these countries, football is like a religion.

We may not be at that stage yet but after qualifying for three consecutive World Cups and now possibly a fourth, that expectation is becoming more prevalent. The Australian way is that we don’t fear anyone so hopefully the boys can take that mentality into the game and come home with a result.