Melbourne Victory’s star recruit Harry Kewell says living up to expectations has been the hardest part of his return to play in the Hyundai A-League.
Melbourne Victory’s star recruit Harry Kewell says living up to expectations has been the hardest part of his return to play in the Hyundai A-League.
The 33-year-old has found goals and his best form elusive in four hitouts with his new club after spending half his life playing at the very top in England and Turkey.
“It’s my hardest task, really,” Kewell said after training at Etihad Stadium on Friday morning.
“I knew when I was coming over here what everyone was expecting and I knew in myself I had to be in top form, week-in, week-out.”
“Obviously the focus is on me and you have to play week-in, week-out very good.”
“I knew that when I signed and the challenge for me is to do that week-in, week-out.”
“I’m not going to shy away from it.”
“I know I need to crack up on a few things and I will do that.”
Asked whether the expectations of him were too great, Kewell said: “Expectations are second to none for me.”
“Everyone can say what they like about my performance, but I’m the first person to know if I’ve played bad or not.”
“I do look in the mirror and I see myself and if I can’t look myself in the eye then there’s no point in writing anything about it.”
“I already know I had a bad game.”
“Everyone comes into this league and expects it to be a walk in the park.”
“My last three years in Turkey wasn’t a walk in the park, it was very difficult.”
While Kewell is pleased to be named in the Socceroos squad, he said it was up to coach Holger Osieck whether he’s named in the starting line-up for the World Cup qualifiers against Oman on November 11 and Thailand four days later.
Osieck had warned when the squad was announced earlier in the week that Kewell and Sydney FC’s Brett Emerton would need to improve their performances to win a starting spot.
“It’s always a privilege to be in the Australian squad,” Kewell said.
“But my thoughts are like any other player’s, you work hard and if you play, you play.”
“If I’m in the squad I’ve got to work hard like everyone else.”
“Like I’ve said from day one when I was at Leeds, first and foremost it’s your club football that you’ve got to play well for and if you are playing well for that then you have a chance to play for your country.”
