Entertainment and preparation are the key goals of tonight’s clash with former English champions Everton FC at Etihad Stadium, according to Melbourne Heart FC Captain Simon Colosimo.
Entertainment and preparation are the key goals of tonight-s clash with former English champions Everton FC at Etihad Stadium, according to Melbourne Heart FC Captain Simon Colosimo.
Everton arrived in Melbourne yesterday for the marquee friendly match-up, after spending a week in Sydney completing its fine tuning for the upcoming English Premier League season.
Colosimo said the clash will play a pivotal role in Heart-s pre-season campaign, with only three weeks remaining to round one of the Hyundai A-League season against the Central Coast Mariners.
“I-m hoping for a healthy crowd for tonight-s game. It-s the first time I-ve taken part in a pre-season match in Australia against a European club side,” he said.
“It-s great to have a team like Everton, which has been a top six team in the English Premier League over the last few seasons, come down to Melbourne
.
“Tim Cahill-s here as well as all their big guns; they are taking it seriously. They are not coming out here for an exhibition game; they are here to prepare for the English Premier League, which is arguably the hardest competition in the World.
“And while they are doing that, we are doing our bit to get ourselves right for August 5 which is our first game at AAMI Park.”
Maintaining a gradual learning curve has been central to Heart-s pre-season preparations, with Head Coach John van ‘t Schip seeking to develop a distinctive brand of football.
Colosimo believes van ‘t Schip-s attacking minded philosophy will allow the Club to entertain Melbourne football supporters.
“We-ve recruited really well and there was a long process. The Club identified in advance which players they wanted and we are pleased with the group that has been placed together,” he said.
“But now it-s up to us to produce the goods on the pitch and entertain, which is what Melbourne crowds want. Irrespective of anything else you need to entertain.”
