The Foxtel A-League All Stars squad got down to business on Saturday with their first hit-out in Wollongong under coach Josep Gombau ahead of their clash with Juventus on Sunday August 10.
And with players coming from all 10 Hyundai A-League clubs they will enjoy as much time as possible together to work on their combinations and structures.
Defender Matt Smith knows he’ll have his work cut out dealing with Juventus’ legion of stars but warned the Italian champions to expect a tough hit-out in next weekend’s Foxtel A-League All Stars clash.
While the clash is a pre-season friendly and there may be no competition points up for grabs, the tough tackling central defender insists they will go hard against the Serie A champions.
“We’re competitors at the end of the day and we want to win games,” Smith told www.a-leagueallstars.com.au
“There’s no hesitation in saying we’re using this camp as preparation to go into that match and perform well.
“It’s really important that we put on a good show for the A-League and the people worldwide that are watching the game.
“We are representing Australia at this level and it’s important that we put on a very good performance. We want to win the game, there’s absolutely no doubt about that, we play football for that reason.”
Smith was also excited about the chance to play with – rather than against – some of the stars from other A-League clubs.
“You’re so caught up in fiercely battling them at the weekends during the season it’s good to be on the same side get to know each other over this next week or so,” he said.
“We’ve got a very talented squad here I feel. And it’s exciting that (Gombau’s) philosophy is more possession based than any other styles, which obviously suits us boys from Brisbane. That’s the way we like to play football as well … but we won’t leave anything in the changing room.”
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.
