Harry Kewell has set the bar high upon his appointment as Melbourne Heart captain, targeting this season’s Hyundai A-League title.
Melbourne Heart unveiled Harry Kewell as the Club-s captain for the Hyundai A-League 2013-14 season today, marking the occasion by also revealing a new three-year deal with principal partner Westpac.
Kewell will captain the Red and White during the new campaign and is seen as the perfect leader by Head Coach John Aloisi, who praised the number 10 as a “true professional”.
Speaking at his announcement as skipper three months after arriving at the club, the 34-year-old said his objective for the season ahead was to lead the Heart to their first silverware, targeting this season’s Hyundai A-League title.
“I know what I want to achieve, and that’s the title. I dream big, I think big, that’s what I want to achieve,” he said.
“(Coach) John (Aloisi) puts a great team together and that’s the kind of attitude I want the players to be thinking about. There’s no point thinking about second. Let’s think about the top and work from there.”
A recall to the national team ahead of the World Cup in Brazil is also a priority for the ex-Leeds United and Liverpool man, who earned the last of his 58 caps for Australia in June 2012.
“I think so,” he said when asked if a return to Holger Osieck’s Socceroos plans was an achievable target.
“That’s the reason why I came out here in July, to get a solid pre-season under my belt … to show to Australia that I’m ready to play, hopefully (have) a great season in the A-League and give myself every opportunity to be part of the Australian squad that’s going to travel to Brazil.”
Dutch centre-back Rob Wielaert and midfielder Massimo Murdocca – both of whom, like Kewell, are new arrivals in this off-season – had also been in contention to take over as skipper.
But Heart’s coach said he did need long to make up his mind before giving the responsibility to his former Australia team-mate.
“Very easy after the last couple of months,” Aloisi said of his decision.
“I’ve known Harry for a while and I know what he’s like as a player and the ability he’s got. But just to see the players and how they are around him. The training’s just lifted as soon as he walked into that changing room.
“We gave it a couple of months just so I could see how it’s going, but it’s proven that Harry’s got the leadership qualities that we’re looking for.”
In a significant day for the Club, Melbourne Heart also announced inaugural principal partner, Westpac, has signed on for another three years with the Club.
“The red and white of Westpac is now synonymous with red and white of Melbourne Heart FC and as one of the premier brands in corporate Australia, we are delighted to be partnering again for a further three years,” said Melbourne Heart CEO Scott Munn.
