Harry Kewell is expecting his Hyundai A-League debut for Melbourne Victory to be a baptism by fire and he’s invited Sydney FC to hit him with everything they’ve got in Saturday night’s season opener at Etihad Stadium.
Harry Kewell is expecting his Hyundai A-League debut for Melbourne Victory to be a baptism by fire and he’s invited Sydney FC to hit him with everything they’ve got in Saturday night’s season opener at Etihad Stadium.
Certain to attract close attention from Sydney enforcer Terry McFlynn, the competition’s marquee player wants no favours from the opposition or the referees.
“Hopefully tough, rough, that’s what I’m expecting,” said Kewell after the Victory’s light training run at Gosch’s Paddock on Friday morning.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“I don’t expect anything less than that. If I don’t get that, I’m going to punish them.”
Asked if he would like ‘special treatment’ from the referees, Kewell said: “Like no one can touch me? I would love that, but I ain’t going to get that, am I?”
Kewell, who trained away from his team-mates, declined to elaborate on his role for the Victory or how many minutes he would play.
He said he worked alone on Friday so as not to give anything away to the media or the opposition.
“It’s always good to keep things close to your chest,” he said.
“You don’t want to give too many things away especially coming up against ‘Emmo’ (Brett Emerton).”
“A lot of teams do their homework on players and if you can surprise them in any way it’s kind of an advantage.”
“That’s the best way to play it.”
With the arrival of his wife and kids last Tuesday and some spring sunshine, Kewell said Melbourne was finally starting to feel like home.
He admitted to being surprised about the hype surrounding the start of the new Hyundai A-League season and can’t wait to get stuck in.
“I’ve never once been afraid to play football,” Kewell said.
“Even when things are going bad I’ve always found myself at home on the pitch.”
“There’s no nervousness, more exciting energy.”
“It’s a great feeling to go out there on your debut, but the important thing is just to crack on with your job, really.”
“That’s what I’ve always done ever since I played for Leeds, Liverpool and Galatasaray.”
