You only need to chat with Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic for a few minutes to understand why he has developed into one of Australia’s best shot-stoppers.
You only need to chat with Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic for a few minutes to understand why he has developed into one of Australia’s best shot-stoppers.
Much like his performances for the Reds over the last few seasons, Galekovic is confident and assured and handles most things thrown at him with little fuss.
It is why the 32-year-old is considered a strong chance to be rewarded for his stunning Hyundai A-League form with a spot in the Socceroos squad for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
While there is a malaise over a number of positions in the current Socceroos side, goalkeeper is certainly not one of them.
Galekovic is part of an impressive crop of gloveman all vying for those three spots in Brazil, highlighted by veteran Mark Schwarzer and also including the likes of Mitch Langerak, Mat Ryan, Adam Federici and Brad Jones.
After getting a taste as a back-up to Schwarzer at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Reds skipper would love another go on the world stage.
But he is not letting himself dream about it just yet, with a lot to pass under the bridge before that can happen and well aware that timing is everything.
“You need to be playing well week in, week out if you and for a long time if you want to make it,” Galekovic said this week.
“(But) I don’t want to look too far ahead. There’s still a long way to go and a lot of games to play before that.
“We’ve got so many good keepers and you really have to make sure you’re always on top of your game and working hard.
“You have got to prove yourself with your club first. If you do that then there’s no reason why I can’t be there.
“But it really is a week to week thing, and it starts this weekend with (Western Sydney) Wanderers.”
Schwarzer has had a mortgage on the Socceroos’ number one spot for the best part of a decade but is no longer playing regularly in the English Premier League since switching to Chelsea this season.
The scenario has certainly opened the door for the next crop to take the mantle as the leading shot-stopper, possibly for that opening group game in Brazil.
While reluctant to talk directly about a battle with Schwarzer, Galekovic believes the recent appointment of Ange Postecoglou as the Australian coach puts every player on notice.
“Everyone’s got a fresh start now with new coach… and Ange (Postecoglou) has good knowledge of the A-League which is good,” he said.
“It’s now up to everyone to put their best foot forward and show they deserve a shot.
“I’d love to be in Brazil but I’ve got a lot more games to worry about before that. It’s again down to the processes, working hard and performing.
“Everyone has hope, it’s up to the individual to prove themselves.”
Which is exactly what Galekovic has done since the A-League started.
The experienced goal-keeper has been a part of the league since its inception, starting at the Melbourne Victory before finding a home in the City of Churches.
Asked about the progression of the league since day one to now in season nine, Galekovic said: “I remember the first season had so much hype with Dwight Yorke and everything was new.
“But every year it’s gone to a new level. The players are better, the coaches as well and you can see with the players that are here now, Del Piero, Ono and all the Aussie boys are coming back.
“There’s such a good feeling with the league and the fans are obviously loving it too because games are selling out.
“It’s great to be a part of it.”
And Galekovic will continue to be a part of the league for at least the next three years after recently signing a new deal with the Reds.
“I’m really comfortable here and I’m just enjoying things with the team and the new coach… there’s no reason not to stay,” Galekovic said when asked if he had the chance to move abroad.
“I think we can do some good things so that was the main reason… and enjoying my time.
“I guess you never know what can happen in the future but if I haven’t been (overseas) by now it probably indicates I probably won’t.
“For now I’m just enjoying my time with the boys. All I can do is worry about what’s ahead of us and hopefully we can have a successful season.”
The Reds have made a solid start to life under new boss Josep Gombau, who has been open in admitting he is trying to implicate a new playing style at the club.
While admitting it’s taking time for the players to adjust to the Spaniard’s systems, Galekovic believes it’s the right way to go if the Reds are to achieve sustained success.
He expects a few inconsistent results as the squad tries to master their new way of playing but knows the benefits will be worth some potential short-term hiccups.
“The boys are loving going to training and really enjoying what (Gombau’s) brought,” Galekovic said.
“When you change your system it’s going to take time… we’re trying to implement a new stale and we’re working hard on getting it right.
“Every day were getting better and the more you work on it, the more it becomes a habit. Come Christmas time I think you’ll see us really playing well.
“We’re focusing more on performance right now and know once we get that right, results will take care of themselves.
“We obviously still need to get a few points on the board now though and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
