Maruschka Waldus admits she is a terrible spectator, but after having been forced to watch her Adelaide United team from the sidelines in the opening two rounds of the Liberty A-League Women’s competition, the experienced defender is hoping her time in the stands is over.
Waldus had surgery after an injury to her lower leg and ankle in the off-season and missed the opening round draw with Canberra and second round loss to Central Coast.
The 2020/21 club champion has since recovered, playing some minutes and getting through an internal trial game at the weekend during the competition’s International break.
And she is hopeful coach Adrian Stenta will include her in the squad that will travel to Melbourne to face rivals the Victory at AAMI Park on Saturday evening.
Maruschka Waldus on having a delayed start to the season due to surgery on her foot and ankle:
“It’s (been) tough because I was hoping I would be ready before the season started. But I’ve always focused and said (I’d take it) day by day and focus on my recovery, and tried to be there for the team and my teammates as much as I can and try to support them, even if I’m not playing. (I’ve) tried to help them prepare for the games and so they are ready because we’re one team and want to get the points.
Maruschka Waldus on what it has been like to watch her side from the sidelines in the opening two rounds of the season:
“I think it’s always hard to watch from the sidelines. Normally for a game, of course, you have some natural nerves, but I’m not that nervous. But when I’m in the stands it’s like, ‘oh my god’, like, I’m so nervous and it’s just very confronting but I’m there to support my team and my teammates, and I want them to win and succeed.”
Maruschka Waldus on getting some minutes in an internal trial match during the Liberty A-League international break:
“I think it was good for us so we could reset, regroup and we had an internal game so we could work on things and work on tactics, so we can define our game plan better. It was a good week.
“I think I was a bit rusty. Some things went quite well but some things I could definitely improve. It was really good to start with a game like that because then you know, you have the feeling (of playing) a bit again. For me personally, it was good and after, I felt a little bit like a grandma and now after the weekend the good thing is that Monday I got back to training and I felt better and I felt more comfortable on the field so that’s been good for me.”
Maruschka Waldus on whether she will be part of the squad travelling to Melbourne to face the Victory:
“I have no idea. I only know that I’m this week at training every day and do everything I can and then (hopefully) he makes a selection for me. Let’s hope that I’ll be there but I just want the best squad to travel so we’ll see if I’m ready or not.”
Maruschka Waldus on the focus during the week:
“I think it’s our first away trip and we want to get the first three points of the season so the key focus is our game plan and how are we going to beat Melbourne Victory.”
