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With prolific striker Bruno Cazarine moving on from the club following last season, Lovrek is one of a number of recruits brought in by new coach Ian Crook to pep up a side that failed to inspire in season seven.

And Carle is licking his lips at the prospects of linking up with the Croatian striker.

“I must say I’m very, very impressed in these early stages of pre-season with some of the recruits we’ve got,” Carle told au.fourfourtwo.com today.

“It’s only been in the last week that we’ve been in teams together but I’ve really been enjoying our little combinations and our understanding.

“He [Lovrek] can hit a ball, he can hold the ball up. He’s got great technique and just a pleasure to play with.

“It’s a pleasure to play with someone who knows the way you play and makes it just that much easier for you.”

Lovrek, 31, signed from Chinese Super League side Qingdao Jonoon – one of a raft of new signings including Brazilian Fabio, Adam Griffiths and Panamanian Yairo Yau.

Lovrek has also plied his trade for Lierse in Belgium and K-League powerhouse Jeonbuk Motors. In his homeland, Lovrek was on the books of NK Zagreb and Hadjuk Split player.

Lovrek’s technique caught the eye at training today (Tuesday) at Macquarie University and when fully fit, he could have a big say in the Sky Blues’ fortunes for season eight.

But the former Croatian youth international appeared to struggle with the physical demands of the intense session of six versus six games - though it’s understood he has been under the weather in the last few days.

“He’s one of those players who, we’re on the same wavelength. I think everyone will remember the name Kruno by the end of this year,” added Carle.

“I’m pretty sure actually by the first few weeks of the season everyone will know who he is. He’s a great footballer.”

As for Carle, it’s still not clear what role coach Crook has in mind for his marquee man. Either as a number 10, an eight or a number six, it remains to be seen.

But Carle, 30, is clearly going to be an important figure in the side along with new signing Fabio, Adam Griffiths, Brett Emerton and striker Joel Chianese.

“We’ve got a fresh, young look and feel about the team, which is going to make a difference…" he said. "Wherever he does play me, I’ll be giving 100%.”

Carle’s already seen a difference in the squad since Crook took over from the club’s double title winner Vitezslav Lavicka.

With a coach he clearly enjoys and players around him that will complement his undoubted talents as a playmaker, Carle is super-excited about this coming season.

“Last year when we played well we played very well," said Carle. "When it worked it worked and when it didn’t it didn’t. I don’t we had our style of play.

"I don’t think when anyone came to a Sydney FC game they knew what they were going to get. Whereas this year I think it’ll be different. That’s no disrespect to anyone. That’s just the way it panned out.

“But I think this year we’ll have our style of football of keeping the ball, move it quick and play high-tempo football but with a purpose. Not keep the ball just to keep it but keep it because we want to score goals.”

Carle is keen to stay with Sydney FC after his contract expires at the end of next season.

And he believes the club’s strength and conditioning coach Dr Craig Duncan’s philosophies and professionalism will help him to extend his career.

“It showed last year," he said. "I thought I was flying and I want to do that again this year.

“And in the first few weeks of pre-season I’m feeling good rather than struggling to keep up – especially getting older!

"I've got to keep up with these young boys.”

Sydney FC players begin each session with their own tailored prehab programs.

“It’s about preventing injuries,” added Carle. “Even for the young boys, they get taught how to be a professional footballer, which makes a massive difference.”

However, with Carle living in the west of Sydney he’d be a prize recruit for the Wanderers should the Sky Blues opt not to offer him another contract.

Carle added: “I want to sign a new deal [with Sydney FC]. I’m only 30 and the way I’m looking after myself with not drinking or smoking, so I should be able to keep going till 34, 35. That’s my goal.

“But it’s making sure I merit the deal, making sure I start the season on fire and see what happens. I would love to stay here and enjoying my football.

“I want to concentrate on Sydney FC and my first choice is Sydney FC but football’s football and you never know.

"At the end of the day Sydney FC may turn around and say they don’t want me anymore.”

  •  Carle is sponsored by Puma and the company is giving away this giant promotional Puma boot signed by Nick Carle. Email enquiries@fourfourtwo.net.au with the subject line I Want Nick Carle’s Big Puma Boot and in 20 words or less tell us why you want the boot.

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