Swatted aside Down Under by the British Lions and then crushed in the Ashes by England, it's been a tough time for the Aussies.
"We're not talking about cricket," joked Liverpool keeper Brad Jones.
"I've been getting stick off the lads with plenty of comments flying around. I'm just having to take it. It's not been good from our boys so far."
In truth there is no wiping the smile off Jones' face.
After all this tour has brought his two passions together for the first time - Liverpool Football Club and Australia.
Growing up in the suburbs of Perth in Western Australia, he dreamed of representing both club and country.
His mother Karen was originally from Merseyside and the Liverpool shirts posted over by her family when he was at primary school were his prized possessions.
When Brendan Rodgers' side walk out at the MCG to face Melbourne Victory in front of a 95,000 sell-out crowd tomorrow, Jones will be bursting with pride.
"It's really special to be part of the first Liverpool squad to play here in Australia," he said.
"I've got family flying in from Perth for the game and it's going to be a great experience.
"The fans here have waited a long time for the opportunity to watch Liverpool play. To be able to see our boys up close is really exciting for them.
"I'm not surprised it's a sell-out. I knew all about Liverpool's fan base here because growing up I was one of them myself.
"The other players and the staff will realise over the next few days just how big football is in Australia.
"Sometimes the perception is that it's not our game. But everyone is into their football and the Premier League is the biggest league in the world."
The MCG is dripping with history. Not only is it the biggest stadium in Australia but also one of the world's most famous cricket venues.
It's where the great Don Bradman plundered a remarkable 1,671 runs in just 11 Tests. At this time of year it's the home of Aussie Rules but for one night only football will take centre stage.
"It's the most iconic of all our sports stadiums," said Jones, following training at Melbourne's Aami Park.
"The English boys will know about it from the cricket as the Boxing Day Test is renowned but the likes of Philippe Coutinho will have no idea what it's all about.
"I was lucky enough to play there for the Socceroos a few years ago before the World Cup and it's massive.
"It's not a football stadium, it's an oval, but it's got something about it. We drove past it today and the lads saw how big it is, but I don't think you get a full perspective of it until you are stood out there in the middle. Packed out with Liverpool fans, it's going to be some sight."
Source: Liverpool Echo
No comments:
Post a Comment