Hyundai A-League superstar Thomas Broich admits he never thought he’d share the same pitch with Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro Del Piero but says the Foxtel A-League All Stars are in better shape than last year to cause an upset against Juventus next Sunday.
Last season’s Johnny Warren Medalist has lit up the up the Hyundai A-League for the last four seasons, playing a starring role as the Brisbane Roar have won three titles.
But Broich is just as keen to leave his mark with the All Stars, and show the type of quality the A-League has against Pirlo, Pogba, Arturo Vidal and others in the Juventus side.
Kick-off at ANZ Stadium next Sunday night just can’t come soon enough for this midfield maestro.
“I’m 33 and I never expected to experience something like this in my life,” Broich told www.a-leagueallstars.com.au
“It was a pleasure last year to play against Manchester United, Robin van Persie, Ryan Giggs who is one of my childhood heroes.
“This year it’s going to be a majestic player like Pirlo, a legend like Gigi Buffon, the really elite players at the moment at the peak of their careers like (Arturo) Vidal, (Paul) Pogba, it’s going to be amazing.
“I’d love to get Pirlo’s (jersey) but in life you always wish for things, its different story whether it comes true or not.”
The Foxtel A-League All Stars will tune-up for the might of Juve with a hit-out against Paul Okon’s Young Socceroos on Tuesday night at WIN Stadium.
Skipper Alessandro Del Piero is set to be given some game time ahead of his first-ever match against the club where he is regarded a living legend.
Broich is one of five members of the current All Stars squad that took part in last year’s clash with Manchester United.
Broich added the players have settled much quicker this time around, which augurs well for when it comes to forging their combinations on the pitch.
“It makes a big difference being the second year. Humans don’t react to well to uncertainty,” he explained.
“Last year was the first time and everyone rocked up and was really intense. This time it’s different because they are familiar faces everywhere, you know what the experience feels like. It’s been more relaxed and that helps.
“We’re only going to get the benefit from that. Last year the expectations were just way too high. You can’t just expect to do this for the first time, we were in an unfamiliar environment and had a short preparation.
“We’ve got 10 days this time, plus a game (against the Young Socceroos) and this will all help us.”
The FOXTEL A-League All Stars will meet Juventus at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on 10 August with the match to be broadcast live and exclusive on the Seven Network nationally.
