After bursting onto the scene at the end of the 2011/12 season Joel Chianese is now trying to work his way back into the Sydney FC starting side.
After bursting onto the scene at the end of the 2011/12 season Joel Chianese is now trying to work his way back into the Sydney FC starting side.
The young forward scored six goals in his first nine appearances in the A-League and was tipped for a massive season last year but injuries plagued the 23-year-old forward-s path to stardom.
Now with more competition than ever for positions as an attacker in the Sky Blues side, Chianese will be looking to repay the faith his coach has shown in him and get his name back on the score-sheet.
“I had a great end to the previous season but I had a few injury issues that lingered throughout last season and did not get on the pitch as much as I wanted,” said Chianese.
“The pre-season has been great so far and there is a heap of competition for places so we are all driving each other to new levels.
“I am really aiming to get back into the starting eleven and play much more this year and hopefully, as all forwards aim to, score goals for my team.”
Part of Sydney FC-s pre-season was their tour of Italy where they came up against a string of talented sides.
“The trip to Italy was great for the whole team as we got to play against some quality opposition.
“We got some good results, got to train every day and played in the heat which will prepare us well for our summer.”
The trip was also an eye-opener for Chianese as he got to witness just how passionate European football fans are.
“There were hundreds of fans waiting for (Alessandro) Del Piero at the airport when we arrived which gave us an insight into what we were in for across the rest of the trip.
“He turned heads everywhere we went with everyone wanting a photo or an autograph.”
While he has created headlines since arriving, ADP has no doubt become a mentor for Chianese and his fellow Sydney FC teammates.
“For all the young guys at the club he has been really good in terms of helping us develop as players.
“He is always happy to answer our questions and will always stay behind at training to go over how we can improve.
“Just watching him also teaches you so much with everything he does and each of the guys now tries to impress him at training as he is such an amazing player.”
With Sydney FC missing out on the finals last year, the strong pre-season and injection of new players into the team has given the Sky Blues a renewed sense of self belief.
“We have high expectations as a team and I think you need to.
“We are aiming to end the season at the top and with all the competition amongst players we fell we have the side to achieve this.
Chinaese and his Sydney FC teammates begin their A-League campaign against the Newcastle Jets on October 11 at Allianz Stadium.