New Brisbane Roar recruit Eric Bautheac believes he can make an impact in the Hyundai A-League straight away, despite admitting he’s “not 100%” fit ahead of Sunday’s clash with Newcastle Jets.
Bautheac arrived in Brisbane this week after finally receiving his visa and international clearance to come to Australia and begin his Roar career.
And with Roar winless after the opening two rounds, the Frenchman’s class and quality will be needed immediately as John Aloisi’s men aim to pick up their first points of the campaign.
He’ll play some part against the Jets at Suncorp Stadium this afternoon.
“Even though physically I’m not 100% I will give all I’ve got,” Bautheac said.
“I need to recover from the jet lag a little bit but as long as I’ve got the shirt on my back I will give it my all whether it is for 60 or 90 minutes on Sunday.
“I watched the [first] two games,” he added.
“Despite the fact the team lost twice, I found the games really interesting. I think the game is like how I want to play. I liked the feel of the game.”
Bautheac has enjoyed a distinguished career in France’s Ligue 1 and, at 30, is still at a great age to be performing in Europe’s top leagues.
But the thirst for a new challenge and constant phone calls from Roar star Fahid Ben Khalfallah convinced him to make the move to the Hyundai A-League.
“I had a really good experience in France and I wanted a new one. I’m excited to come here to live a new life with my family,” Bautheac explained.
“I talked with Fahid [Ben Khalfallah] and had good support from him, I was talking with him two hours every day on the phone and I decided to take the chance on Brisbane.”
*Lead image courtesy of Alex Kirchner.
