KRISTIAN Sarkies says Graham Arnold has done a great job in making the Olyroos feel indestructible with the midfielder now on a mission to scare some goalkeepers.
The players are preparing to face China tomorrow in one of three Olympic Games warm up matches before the tournament kicks off next month.
Sarkies says the spirit in the camp is good with temperature and humidity not too far removed from Australia.
Speaking on Saturday night from the team hotel Sarkies toldau.fourfourtwo.com: “Everyone’s quite relaxed. We’ve had our first training session to get the junk out of our legs (from the flight).”
The Adelaide United man, who netted a fine goal in last weekend’s 3-2 win over New Zealand, says the players are beginning to realise just how close the Games really are now.
The Olyroos have received their accreditations for the tournament and a glance out of the hotel window reveals an Olympic venue smothered in the famous rings emblem.
Sarkies has hailed his coach for setting the right mood ahead of the tournament. There is clearly a feel-good factor being pumped into the squad.
He said Arnold deserved credit for making the players feel as though they are “pretty much indestructible.”
Sarkies is likely to be heavily involved in set piece duties, both ahead of the Games and during the tournament itself. He has already had a chance to try out the footballs which will be used for the games and he predicts one or two goalkeepers will be having sleepless nights.
He said: “We have used the balls for the first time. They are a bit lighter (than the normal ball). They wobble everywhere. I am looking forward to scaring some goalkeepers.”
The venue for tomorrow’s match against China will bring back happy memories for Sarkies.
The last time he played at the Changchun City Stadium was on May 22 when he helped Adelaide United create Australian football history by progressing to the quarter finals of the AFC Champions League 2008 with their scoreless draw with Chinese Super League outfit Changchun Yatai.
Sarkies says the spirit in the camp is good with temperature and humidity not too far removed from Australia.
Speaking on Saturday night from the team hotel Sarkies toldau.fourfourtwo.com: “Everyone’s quite relaxed. We’ve had our first training session to get the junk out of our legs (from the flight).”
The Adelaide United man, who netted a fine goal in last weekend’s 3-2 win over New Zealand, says the players are beginning to realise just how close the Games really are now.
The Olyroos have received their accreditations for the tournament and a glance out of the hotel window reveals an Olympic venue smothered in the famous rings emblem.
Sarkies has hailed his coach for setting the right mood ahead of the tournament. There is clearly a feel-good factor being pumped into the squad.
He said Arnold deserved credit for making the players feel as though they are “pretty much indestructible.”
Sarkies is likely to be heavily involved in set piece duties, both ahead of the Games and during the tournament itself. He has already had a chance to try out the footballs which will be used for the games and he predicts one or two goalkeepers will be having sleepless nights.
He said: “We have used the balls for the first time. They are a bit lighter (than the normal ball). They wobble everywhere. I am looking forward to scaring some goalkeepers.”
The venue for tomorrow’s match against China will bring back happy memories for Sarkies.
The last time he played at the Changchun City Stadium was on May 22 when he helped Adelaide United create Australian football history by progressing to the quarter finals of the AFC Champions League 2008 with their scoreless draw with Chinese Super League outfit Changchun Yatai.
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