KEEPER'S SPECIAL
2 INTO 1
Aged only 26, Adam Federici could feasibly be Australia’s number one for the next ten or so years. That is, if he ever gets a chance. Despite being one of the Socceroos’ best keepers, the amazing form of incumbent Mark Schwarzer means Federici has only made a handful of appearances for the Green and Gold. But don’t think that a tough road to the top will stop Reading’s shot stopper, who showed resilience beyond his years on a tricky road to professional football. WORDS BY KIERAN PENDER – SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR I IMAGES BY GETTY IMAGES
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s his frantic season was drawing to a close, Federici was kind enough to sit down with ITYS and tell us about his Socceroo future, the difficult road to English club football, and why he never considered switching to the Azzurri. With Brad Jones having to withdraw from the 2010 World Cup due to personal reasons, the tournament in South Africa gave Adam Federici the chance to make his mark on the national team; to prove beyond doubt that he should take over when Schwarzer steps down. And although he didn’t make it onto the pitch, Federici still believes the tournament was a great experience and helped him improve his game. “Obviously to be involved in the World Cup was fantastic. It was extremely hard work, it was a long time to be away, but it was a great experience for me – although unfortunately I didn’t get on. But the experience served me well for the season ahead.” But while Schwarzer may have been in his way in 2010, it won’t be long till 24
ITYS MAGAZINE
the Socceroos legend steps down and Federici, along with a host of others, fight it out for the number one spot. Is Federici confident that he’ll be able to take over when his mentor steps down? “I’ve played a lot of games in the last few years – and at a very high standard. So I’m used to playing, and when I’ve stepped in previously for the Socceroos, I’ve proved that I can play at an international level. So I don’t see why not. But there’s a lot of competition for that spot. It ultimately comes down to the manager to pick the team, and it’s only a good thing when you’ve got more than one or two options.” The competition the 26-year-old mentions is wide and varied, with a number of high class keepers plying their trade in Europe, along with a bunch of young prodigies. Nathan Coe and Brad Jones are both experienced keepers, while the likes of Mitch Langerak, Dean Bouzanis and Alex Cisak are all going to be pushing for the spot. “There’s a lot to choose from, they’re all good goalkeepers, and that can only be a positive thing. Some of them are at big clubs, and others are
just playing in Europe, and it’s good to have that experience.” Despite being arguably Australia’s second best keeper, Federici has only made a handful of appearances for the Socceroos. But he tells ITYS that ultimately, he can’t be too hard on himself, given the legendary custodian in front of him. “Of course it is disappointing [not to have played more for the Socceroos]. Especially with the form I’ve been in at club level, but I can’t complain too much because Mark’s a tremendous goalkeeper who has been one of the best keepers in the Premiership for the last ten years or so. So it is a bit frustrating, but you can’t get too down, because when you’ve got someone of that calibre in front of you, you can’t really do too much about it.” Before the World Cup, rumours circulated that Federici had been approached by European powerhouse Italy about changing international allegiances, given his Italian heritage. But the keeper strongly refutes that he ever considered switching. “No I didn’t consider it at all. I’m Australian through and through, and