No pre-match rev-up for Socceroos
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou knows what his pre-match motivational speech will be: bugger all.
Postecoglou reckons any words of wisdom will be wasted before Australia take to the field for Friday night’s Asian Cup opener against Kuwait in Melbourne.
“It’s going to be that type of game where what I say in that moment is going to be a bit of a blur for the players,” he said.
“Because I know the overwhelming emotion they will feel when they walk out on to a packed stadium of Australian supporters and see the green and gold in the stands, whatever words I have said will dissipate pretty quickly and that emotion will take them through.
“And I’m looking forward to see how they respond.
“The last 12 months we have been on the road pretty much, put some pretty testing challenges in front of them.
“They’re going to feel some love (from the crowd) and I hope that takes them on to greater heights.”
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Australia enter as resounding favourites to down Kuwait in a fixture Postecoglou sees as vital to gain early traction in the tournament.
He has picked his side but will keep it secret from the public until just before the match.
“Game day sometimes throws up some curve balls but I have got a pretty clear idea of the 11 that will start … and it will be a strong 11 and a team that is ready to win that first game,” he said.
“The majority of the starting 11 will be players who have been with us for the last 12 months because they’re more familiar with the system.”
