Whether it’s sky blue or red and white, Melbourne City or Heart, Ben Garuccio is confident his club’s future under Manchester City will make the club a force.
Whether it’s sky blue or red and white, Melbourne City or Heart, Ben Garuccio is confident his club’s future under the ownership of Manchester City will make the club a force.
After a disappointing in the Hyundai A-League season saw Heart finish with the wooden spoon, teenager Garuccio is already looking ahead to the new campaign with excitement.
Much of that enthusiasm comes from the changes that have – and will continue to – materialise since The City Group bought an 80% share in the Aussie club for $11.25million in January.
There is already talk of a change of club name and colours, with more significant on-field changes sure to follow as well.
City’s acquisition was around the time the struggling Heart started to find their groove in the A-League and also when Garuccio began to make an impact in the starting side.
“The second half of the season was very positive, we strung a few wins together and it was good to be a part of the team as much as I could,” Garuccio told www.footballaustralia.com.au this week.
“We’ve got a big year with Man City coming in, it’s exciting times at the club and I’m happy to be there for the future.
“They’ve (City) done a few things here and there, made changes around the facilities and things like that.
“There’s been a lot of things going on behind the scenes that we’re not really aware of so I’m sure there’s a lot planned for the year coming up.
“Once it comes into action I think we’ll really benefit from it. Not just on the field but off the field as well.
“They are looking to do a lot of things in the community, we’re already a community friendly club and like to get people involved so I’m sure we’ll improve that and then on the field as well.
“I’m sure they are looking to improve that, that’s the main focus of the football club and I’m very confident that we will.”
After being rarely sighted under former coach John Aloisi this season, Garuccio went on to make 12 appearances in the A-League when John van ‘t Schip took the reins.
The 18-year-old winger, who has been used mainly at left-back under van ‘t Schip, aims to become a first-team regular next season.
“It was great to get a good run in the team at the end of the season and hopefully I can build on that for next year,” Garuccio said.
“I really enjoyed playing at left-back and I learned a lot about my game.
“At the same time I still feel I can play on the wing as well. It’s really the coaches choice and wherever they want to put me or see me I don’t really mind to much as long as I’m playing and giving my best.”
Garuccio said it was the help and guidance of Aziz Behich that made his transition to left-back easier, while the experience of the likes of Orlando Engelaar and the retiring Harry Kewell has been priceless.
And he’s taken all that into camp with the Young Socceroos as he hopes to eventually win a spot in Paul Okon’s squad for October’s AFC Under-19 Championships in Myanmar.
Asked about the progress of the side and their hopes in the tournament, Garuccio said: “It’s a big year ahead of us with the qualification (for the World Cup) at the end of the year so it’s always good to get together as much as possible.
“All coming from different clubs we need to be on the same wavelength and start gelling together as soon as we can and playing the way Paolo (Okon) wants us.
“It’s about everyone playing football. That’s what he wants, pretty football with short passing. So it’s enjoyable for everyone because you get more touches on the ball.
“Once we can put that into action and start scoring some goals, I’m confident we’ll do well.”
