Carl Valeri talks Socceroos

Football in the Capital caught up with a very relaxed Carl Valeri after his recent home debut for the Socceroos against Uruguay.

The first you thing you notice about Carl Valeri is his smile. You think he might be worried about not making the Asian Cup squad but he merely shrugs.
“What can I do? I thought I did well in the last two games. You can always do better, now I just have to wait and hope.” said Valeri.

Valeri has played the defensive midfield role in the last two Socceroo games, against China and on the weekend in Sydney, against Uruguay.

“I was pleased with my performance on Saturday. Disappointed that we lost, but I thought the team played well. Obviously Brad (Jones) made a big mistake, but he’s a great keeper and he’ll bounce back. It’s a tough position being a keeper, one mistake in the whole game and you can lose it, but Brad will be okay.”

Valeri who plays his football with Grosetto in Italy enjoyed playing in front of the 61,000 crowd.

“It was awesome. To have the whole crowd cheering for you felt great. I love playing for Australia. It was one of the biggest crowds I’ve played in front of, although I think when I played against Napoli for Spal, in Napoli, the crowd was bigger.”

“Uruguay was one of the best teams I’ve played against. Argentina in the (2004 Athens) Olympics was the best. They were amazing. We did well, only lost 1-0 and had chances to get a draw, but I don’t remember getting more than 8 touches the whole game. They had great players everywhere.”

“Arnie (Coach Graham Arnold) had us well prepared for Uruguay. He has scenarios for all the possible line-ups and changes during the game. His preparation is fantastic. Uruguay let you turn, so they draw you in. You think you have more time on the ball, then they pounce, trying to raid forward at pace.”

“I lost the ball once early, and they quickly created a scoring chance.”

“Arnie just told me to play my normal game. Switch it quickly and move the ball fast.”

“He’s a great coach. I’ve played under him with other teams when he has been the assistant, but its great to see him in the manager’s role. He brings a lot to the team. His preparation is amazing.”

“Although I can’t say I enjoy the recovery session. We have to sit in two-minute ice baths, and then a hot shower. We do it three times.”

Is it the same in Italy?

His eyes light up. “The Italians are more relaxed.”

Now Valeri must wait to see if he is chosen for the Asia Cup.

“I have no idea. I think I’ll know by the end of the week.”

“If I don’t make it, I’ll rest up and head back for pre-season. I’m still not sure where I’m playing next year but my preference is to stay with Grosseto and build my career.”

It was a hectic time for the Socceroos.

“I had to sign almost 800 shirts for fans. I’m an expert in getting a good signature on a shirt now!”

“I have good friends in the Socceroos. Brett Holman, Adam Federici and Paddy Kisnorbo are all good mates, and I room with Nicky Carle.”

And in September there is the Argentina game.

Valeri winces.

“I don’t know if my club will let me come. The season will have just begun. It’s along way and takes so much out of you. An athlete needs to be rested and fresh, to be at his best, and travelling to Australia from Europe to play, is difficult.”

So how does he view Australia’s move to Asia.

“Well the travel is hard. Not to China say, one flight is okay, but coming back to Australia, it’s such a long way. And, of course, playing for the Socceroos in Europe is easy. Everything is so close.”

“I’d love to make the Asian Cup squad, but if I don’t I’ll work hard and aim for the World Cup. I always dreamed of playing football, for the Socceroos, and at the World Cup. It’s funny how my dreams become a goal, and my goals are becoming reality.”

Even should Valeri miss the Asian Cup squad, based on his recent performances he’ll definitely be involved in helping Australia reach the 2010 South Africa World Cup.
Not bad for a boy from the Tuggeranong Valley.

(Next week: Carl talks Tuscano, England, Melbourne Victory and Inter Milan)