Football

Reasons behind Degenek’s success and advise to young Socceroos 

The Australian contingent for the 2022 World Cup has arrived in Qatar and plenty of fresh faces have been selected by head coach Graham Arnold. 

Socceroos veteran, Milos Degenek, arrived earlier than the rest of the team to acclimatize in the Gulf nation and as a senior member of the travelling party, he has plenty of experience to share with his young teammates. 

The 28-year-old has had one-on-one sessions with teammates, getting them up to speed with respect to what is expected from them and how to rise to the occasion.

Australia

Training comes first

The young Socceroos can take plenty from the defender given his pristine physical conditioning. Degenek has played 132 times between 2018 and 2021, becoming a mainstay at Columbus Crew and the Australian squad. 

The experienced defender attributes this to his continued training regimen, which he does not let go of and has helped him be in perfect condition for the World Cup.

“After my season finished in the MLS I continued to train in America for the next 10-12 days. Then I flew to Serbia to see my wife and daughter and family who I haven’t seen for five or six months.

“Then I continued to train with Red Star Belgrade, my old club, who welcomed me with open arms. I appreciate that and I’d like to thank them this way as well for that, for helping me prepare. I was training there for a good two weeks, every day. I think I’m in peak shape and really fit and ready for this World Cup.”

Graham Arnold has been ruthless in the squad selection for the Qatar extravaganza. As many as 17 players will be making their World Cup bow, a feat that can be daunting for most.

The head coach has come under scrutiny for his decision and his selection antics questioned by former greats. Harry Kewell criticised Arnold’s criteria, citing the value of experience in such high-stakes events.

Degenek is one of the few who managed to avoid the cut and will be adding to his 38 caps with Australia at the world cup. He believes the experience of the older squad members will trickle down to the new members, which can settle matters down on and off the pitch. 

He hailed the impact of Mile Jedinak, Tim Cahill, and Mark Milligan in Russia and believes the onus is now on him and others to repay in kind. 

Experience will count at World Cup

“I was in Russia, I had a great experience. I think the team in Russia was very different, we had a lot more experienced players and leaders like Mile Jedinak, Tim Cahill, and Mark Milligan who were part of the squad. Those boys are not here, but Maty Ryan’s here, Mathew Leckie is here, Aziz (Behich) is here, who are still leaders and have been to the last World Cup as well – and me and Jackson Irvine as well.

“I can bring that calm nature and that experience to help the boys if things are in need of a bit of a conversation outside the pitch.

“On the pitch, I can bring that calmness and that work ethic, and the desire to win, and just my experience overall in these situations of playing against these (star) players that we are bound to play against over the next couple of weeks.”

“Take it all in. I guess, accept where you are. Be thankful that you’re here. I guess it sinks in after you leave the camp, you’ll probably sink in that you’re at a World Cup,” Degenek advised.

“Be proud, close your eyes for a minute and take it all in once you lay down your room and realise you’re at a World Cup. You’re representing, not just your country but you’re representing your family, your friends, and all the hard work you’ve done since you were a little boy and started playing football.

“But the most important thing is just to smile, enjoy it. There are 832 players at this World Cup and you’re one of them! There are millions of footballers around the world so you have to know how fortunate you are to be here.”

 


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