Rob Baan on the upcoming Olyroos v Iran game

Technical Director and Olyroos coach Rob Baan was in Canberra recently for the Olyroos camp at the Australian Institute of Sport.

The three-day Olyroo camp was preparation for vital upcoming Olympic qualifier against Iran.

“It’s an important game for both teams. We must win. We hope to have a big crowd to cheer us on.” said Baan.

Baan will be missing three of his key defenders from the last game against Saudi Arabia. Melbourne Victory’s Adrian Leijer, Queensland Roars Ben Griffin and Sydney FC’s Ruben Zadkovich are all suspended.

He’s not concerned.

“We’re fine. Adrian Downes (Chesterfield FC), Neil Kilkenny (Birmingham City) are coming from overseas, and hopefully Mark Milligan will be fit. Matthew Spiranovic (FC Nurnberg) cannot come as his club is in the German Cup Final.”

“The last game against Saudi Arabia was disappointing. I told Adrian (Leijer) to be careful but he made the tackle which gave the penalty. This made the game very difficult. I felt we deserved a draw.”

“We have it to improvise all the time. Players from overseas can’t make it into camp. They need a week to fully recover from the flight but that is how it is for all Australian teams. We are not complaining. I would like Adelaide United to rest Burnsy (Nathan Burns) and Djitsy (Bruce Djite) from the Asian Champions League game, but the club don’t have so many players and they want to do well. So it is difficult but we’ll do our best.