Adelaide United Captain, Craig Goodwin, says he has the experience to switch off from the noise associated with the Socceroos’ record-breaking World Cup campaign and focus solely on domestic football with the Reds.
With United travelling to Queensland on Thursday afternoon for its Round 7 clash with Brisbane Roar on Friday night, Goodwin has put his hand up to play a part in the squad. This is despite only touching down from Doha late on Tuesday evening after featuring in all four of Australia’s World Cup matches recently.
Not only was Goodwin one of the best performers for his national team, he also managed it straight off the back of a race against the clock to overcome a groin injury that severely hampered his pre-season.
Nevertheless, the Reds’ talisman is itching to get back in the United shirt and continuing the Club’s strong start to the 2022/23 season.
Whirlwind spinning into Roar:
“Everything, when you’re there, is happening so quickly.
“The games are three, four days apart and you’re doing all the recovery and training in between and preparation.
“So everything has been a bit of a blur, but, at the same time, we’re still in season with Adelaide and there’s a game in a couple days.
“I think I’m experienced enough now to be able to turn my focus (to Brisbane Roar).
“I had the selection (for the Socceroos) squad and still had the (Melbourne) Victory game to focus on as well.
“I know what I need to do, I know what to focus on, and I always say that whether it’s a game or in the game, or outside a game, the most important thing is to focus on what what is now and what I’m supposed to be doing right now.
“For me now that’s making sure I get the recovery in and get myself right for the game on the weekend.
“Whatever role I’m playing, whether it’s from the start, or whether it’s off the bench, I know what I need to do.”
Support before and after Qatar:
“When we were there in camp, we could see all the footage of all the people back home supporting us and the amazing scenes.
“We could feel that support from over there (in Qatar), but it’s a bit different when you get back here and you actually face it firsthand.
“So it was really nice to have the support of the South Australian community getting off the plane (at Adelaide Airport) and it was a really nice touch.”
