Superstar recruit Harry Kewell can’t wait to debut for Melbourne Victory in Saturday’s season opener against Sydney FC and he’s looking forward to ‘punishing’ the Victory’s arch rivals.
Superstar recruit Harry Kewell can’t wait to debut for Melbourne Victory in Saturday’s season opener against Sydney FC and he’s looking forward to ‘punishing’ the Victory’s arch rivals.
Addressing reporters after Friday morning’s training run at Gosch’s Paddock with manager Bernie Mandic watching on, Kewell said he’s been genuinely surprised about the hype surrounding the start of the new A-League season.
The 33-year-old said he hopes he can live up to the fans’ expectations.
“I’ve never once been afraid to play football,” Kewell said.
“Even when things are going bad I’ve always found myself at home on the pitch.”
“There’s no nervousness, more exciting energy.”
“It’s a great feeling to go out there on your debut, but the important thing is just to crack on with your job, really.”
“That’s what I’ve always done ever since I played for Leeds, Liverpool and Galatasaray.”
Kewell, who trained away from his teammates, said he didn’t know how many minutes he would play on Saturday and politely declined to talks about the role he expects to play.
He said he worked alone on Friday so as not to give anything away to the media or the opposition.
“It’s always good to keep things close to your chest, you don’t want to give too many things away,” he said.
“A lot of teams do their homework on players and if you can surprise them in any way it’s kind of an advantage.”
“That’s the best way to play it.”
Kewell, who’s certain to attract close attention from Sydney enforcer Terry McFlynn, invited the opposition to hit him with everything they’ve got on Saturday night.
“Hopefully (it will be) tough, rough, that’s what I’m expecting,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“I don’t expect anything less than that.”
“If I don’t get that, I’m going to punish them.”
Asked if he would like ‘special treatment’ from the referees, Kewell said: “Like no one can touch me? I would love that, but I aint going to get that, am I?”
