ROBBIE Kruse on the differences between A-League and Germany and the Roos' togetherness.

You were one of the first players Holger Osieck plucked out from the A-League and gave a chance with the Socceroos. It seems as though the new coach isn’t afraid to give youth a chance.

Yeah, definitely. Holger gave me my first call-up off the back of a fairly successful season in the A-League and he’s given other young players the opportunity to play as well. To choose a couple of lads from the A-League to go to the Asian Cup was a big step, because it gave everyone notice early on that if they performed well enough, they would be chosen no matter where they we playing. Under the previous coach, everyone knew what his opinions were on the domestic game, so it’s definitely a breath of fresh air to have Holger here, someone who really takes a pride at looking at the players in the A-League.

What is it about Holger that’s impressed you since he’s taken over the job?

He’s such an approachable coach and if you’re not in the starting XI, he still makes  you feel like you’re an important part of the team. He builds a great environment around the squad – everyone is excited every time there is a camp and there’s a really good atmosphere around the players and staff. He’s also created a great vibe in the dressing room too. Football-wise, he’s an excellent tactician and he’s got the team playing some great football. Everyone knows their job; whether they’re starting or coming off the bench, everyone knows what they have to  do to fit in to the squad. I’m enjoying every moment of being a part of it.

The start of your Socceroo career has been a whirlwind. Were you surprised how quickly you were given an opportunity to play?

I was selected fairly quickly and it all happened very suddenly for me. I was thrust into the national team with a lot of my heroes from when I was growing up. And to go to the Asian Cup – I was only expecting to be a part of the squad and to use it as a learning experience – and then all of a sudden, Holger had the faith to throw me on in the semi-final just after half-time, and then in the final too. For the younger players to know that the coach has such faith in you and trusts that you can do the job, it gives you a tremendous boost. And it’s not just the coach – the older players in the squad all rally around and help everyone to perform.

It must be a great help having so much experience in the squad, players you can look to for advice and support.

For many young players like myself, the older guys in the team are players that I looked up to as a youngster. So to be able to play in the same team as them now is a wonderful learning experience. I can say for the rest of the young players that we’re definitely learning from the more experienced players we have in the team and I’m loving coming into camp and learning little things from the senior members of the team every time I’m there. Hopefully one day, I can finally start playing and knocking some of them off and get into the starting XI. In the end, everyone
is playing for the same thing and that’s to get to the World Cup.

You played in five of the six qualifiers. Are you getting used to being part of the team?

I think I am. I’ve got 14 caps now, I think,  and I’ve felt like I’ve always done well with the national team. I know my job when I come on the pitch and I’m confident I can perform. Luckily, every time I’ve been with the national team, I’ve been able to put my best foot forward. Our dream is to go to the World Cup and we’re all going to do our best to get there.

You’ve suffered an injury-blighted campaign this year with Fortuna Dusseldorf. That must be frustrating for you...

The first few months were difficult. I’ve had an injury-interrupted season so far, so it hasn’t been the best for me, but from a team point of view, we’re doing well. I found it really hard to get into the starting line-up because we didn’t lose a game until the last match before the Christmas break, so the manager didn’t want to change a winning formula. But the team and the staff have been really supportive and they have a lot of faith and trust in me. I keep speaking to the club and they tell me that I am firmly part of their plans, to keep working hard and I will get my chance.

How does the German Second Division compare to Australia?

The biggest difference is the relegation and promotion here. All the bottom-placed teams are fighting for survival and that can present a lot of problems if you’re looking to win a game. You face 11 men behind the ball and tactics and formations that make it really difficult for opponents to play the game. Compare that to the A-League and the teams at the bottom don’t really have a lot to play for near the end of the season. But I think the standard in the A-League is very good and is constantly improving – you only have to look at the likes of Brett Emerton and Harry Kewell returning to play in Australia to see that.

This article appeared in the June 2012 issue of Australian FourFourTwo magazine. To buy back copies of this issue call 03-8317-8121 with a credit card to hand.

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