Bert van Marwijk has shared his thoughts on his team selection for the FIFA World Cup and says he’s pleased with Risdon’s rapid improvement in camp.
Here are Bert van Marwijk’s comments following his selection of the Caltex Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup squad…
ON THE UNLUCKY PLAYERS
“They are always the hardest decisions. I’ve had the experience a few times. I told them when we started that moment would come. You have to think as a professional but it’s always an emotional day for everybody.”
ON JAMIE MACLAREN
“I got him [into camp] because of the injury of Tomi Juric. He came and I’m satisfied about him. He’s a typical player who always gets a chance [to score]. It’s difficult for him because he was already on vacation for eight or nine days. I wanted to give him a real chance, a week.
“He had to train very hard from the first moment. We train very intensively and [often] two times a day. It was really difficult for him, not really fair for him. But he made a good impression. I think I need him.”
ON THE SQUAD COMPOSITION
“Of course I look at those problems. But defensively I think we have enough players. [What is] very positive is the development of Josh Risdon. I have another two players in the squad who can play that position.
“We have enough central defenders and the defensive midfield players are the same. And now I have options in front with several types of centre-forwards, number nines. Andrew Nabbout can also play on the side and the number 10 position. I have more players who can play in more positions.”
ON PERCEIVED INEXPERIENCE
“I think everybody must be very happy this team has a few more new players.”
