Less than a week out from the clash with the Serie A champions Juventus, Foxtel A-League All Stars coach Josep Gombau says he is no closer to settling on what team he will put out at ANZ Stadium.
With almost two players for every position in the 20-man squad, the Spaniard has plenty of options.
But the next couple of training sessions and especially Tuesday night’s clash with the Young Socceroos (KO 7pm, gates open 6.30pm) will determine who gets first crack at the Bianconeri.
It appears the Adelaide United coach is favouring a 4-3-3 formation, with skipper Alessandro Del Piero spending the majority of the session down the left-hand side judging by Monday’s session.
“Tomorrow (Tuesday) is a good test for us,” Gombau told reporters.
“Today we worked tactically, tomorrow morning we will train again and after that we see if the players are getting or ideas or not.
“It’s important to have a game before Sunday. It’s been good so far, we are satisfied.”
Monday’s session was the first time Gombau had all 20-players at his disposal and he used the two-hour hit-out to work on the team’s shape and combinations.
“The three days that we are working in the camp, it’s been important because we want to put the style we want to play and I think all the players are doing a good job,” he added.
Despite the huge task in front of the Foxtel A-League All Stars, Gombau has vowed not to waver from his philosophy.
It means his side will go out to attack Juventus, who confirmed on Monday all their big guns like Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba and Gianluigi Buffon are heading Down Under.
“I want and play the type of football that I like; the type of football that comes from Barcelona and we are working to this,” Gombau said.
“It’s difficult in 10 days to put in all these things but the basis I want to have this. I hope on Sunday we can do a good game, try and keep the ball and attack.
“We want to show that the A-League is a good league and show we are competitive and why not try to win the game.”
The Foxtel A-League All Stars squad has done a huge amount of community work since arriving in Wollongong and every player will again get out visiting 10 schools in the area after training on Monday.
The team was also fitted for their MJ Bale suits which they will wear on game day, while Gombau will conduct a special lecture for local coaches on Monday evening.
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.
