Muscat said he is relishing the transition from player to coach – even though nothing will ever quite beat the highs you get from being a player, he said.

“Just the buzz of being out there, being the person or one of the people on the pitch who can directly influence a game. I miss that,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com’s Kathy Stone.

“Which I guess comes from my competitive nature. As far as coaching goes, I’ve learnt that it requires a lot of dedication. There are so many more hours that you’ve got to put in, but it’s certainl something I’m enjoying.

“I consider this an apprenticeship and I’m going to make sure I do a thorough apprenticeship to give it the best possible shot. Time will tell how far it gets me.

“As a player, or in anything I do, I believe you reach for the stars and if you fall somewhere short, you’ve still travelled a fair distance.”

For the full interview with Muscat, check out the official souvenir programme on sale at Etihad next Tuesday night December 6.

The newly crowned MLS champions – featuring David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane – meet A-League opposition inin what should be a fascinating contest next Tuesday night at Etihad stadium.

The Etidah ground will be configured in a rectangle shape for a better football experience while fans can get up and close to Beckham, Keane and Donovan at an open training session on Monday Dec 5, 2.30pm at Visy Park.

Beckham is also set to visit a children’s hospital while in Melbourne.

Meanwhile Galaxy begin their Asia Pacific tour tonight (Wednesday) in Jakarta when they face the Indonesia national team at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

Three days later the club will play in Manila against the Philippines National Team at Rizal Memorial Stadium on Saturday, December 3. This will be the first appearance by the Galaxy in both Indonesia and Philippines.

Following those games, the Galaxy will head to Australia where they will conclude their three-game tour against Victory in the Hyundai Melbourne Challenge on Tuesday December 6 at Etihad.

A total of 27 of the 30 players that helped the Galaxy win MLS Cup 2011 last week will be a part of the Asia Pacific Tour, with only the injured Sean Alvarado, Chad Barrett and Leonardo not flying with the club to Indonesia tonight.

The roster is highlighted by MLS Best XI selections David Beckham, Landon Donovan, who was also the MLS Cup MVP, Todd Dunivant and 2011 MLS Defender of the Year Omar Gonzalez.

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