Corey Gameiro, scorer of Sydney FC’s stunning opening goal against Melbourne City, says a new “brotherhood” at Sydney FC can carry the club to great heights this Hyundai A-League season.
“I can’t stress how massive Arnie (coach Graham Arnold) has been on the team, a family everyone together,” Gameiro told www.aleague.com.au.
“Everyone has to be on the same page because if you’re on the wrong page you don’t need to be here. And that’s the way he has been since day one.
“Everyone had to get on the same page and now that we are, the team just feels like a family. Every day you come in and it feels like you’re playing with your brother.
“There’s no hostility, there’s no anger anymore, this year I really think we’re going to be successful.”
Gameiro scored freely in the pre-season, hitting double figures after an impressive lead in to the season proper.
And he carried that form into last Saturday with an absolute peach against City right in front of the Cove.
Nick Carle found space in midfield and fed Gameiro on the left.
With his body shape in perfect position, he connected beautifully as his curling right foot shot sped past Andrew Redmayne and into the far, top corner of the net.
But with the likes of Marc Janko, Alex Brosque, Shane Smeltz and Bernie Ibini also in the star-studded Sydney attack, the 21-year-old knows he has a battle just to make the starting XI but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Every day I’m learning. When we’re doing crossing, finishing, just from being observant and watching what they do you can’t help but learn,” Gameiro said.
“Watching Brosquey and some of the disguised passes he gives. His awareness of where people are in the game is the best I have seen.
“Every day I’m learning something new. I think all four of us bring something different which is good for Arnie as he has options.”
What Gamiero brings the Sky Blues is searing pace, with Arnold labeling him the fastest striker in the Hyundai A-League.
It’s a trait he has honed since he was a junior before swapping his spikes for football boots.
“I used to make it into finals in state (championships) and was doing little A’s,” Gameiro explained.
“I got into my sports school for track and field as well as football.
“As I got a bit older I had to pick one and I remember just thinking how much harder it would be to try and train by yourself everyday mentally as an athlete or be a part of a team.
“I enjoy football more than I did running but I think doing the running I did has definitely helped me.
“I feel if I had a foot race with anyone I would be confident to back myself. That’s not being arrogant but I’m confident.”
