Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham is wary of the threat posed by Melbourne Victory ahead of their friendly clash at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham is wary of the threat posed by Melbourne Victory ahead of their friendly clash at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
The Hyundai Club Challenge clash could mark the 115-time England international’s last game in Galaxy colours with his contract expiring at the end of the year.
Beckham, 36, said he was aware how dangerous Victory could be against the MLS champions, who will be completing their three-game Asia Pacific Tour.
“We know they’ve got players that can cause us many problems in the game. We know obviously they had a disappointing loss at the weekend but they’re a very strong team, especially playing in front of their own fans,” he said before training at Visy Park on Monday.
“We know they’ve got a very passionate fan base. We’re looking forward to this game.”
“You always want to test yourself against good players and against good teams around the world – and this is going to be a tough one.”
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar, who said he would love to score against Victory, has been tipped to join Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain when his contract with the Galaxy expires.
Coming off a 3-1 loss to the Newcastle Jets in the Hyundai A-League on Saturday, Victory coach Mehmet Durakovic said every player in his squad was eager to face Galaxy despite the short turnaround.
“We had a recovery session this morning and every player put their hand up to play. Basically, I’ll find out tomorrow and I’ll make my decision tomorrow. Everybody put their hand up for the game,” Durakovic said.
“We want to put a good team out there and show what we can do. But I’ve also got to juggle between the game and Saturday’s (league game against Adelaide United). It’s a very important game for us as well.”
“We’ve got some youngsters coming through and it will give them a chance to play against the best football players in the world.”
The clash is Galaxy’s fourth in five years against a Hyundai A-League team after they suffered a 5-3 loss to Sydney and hammered the Wellington Phoenix 4-1 in 2007, while going down 2-1 to the Newcastle Jets in October last year.
