Aussie Kewell insists squad intact despite loss

0 CommentsPrint E-mail Xinhua, June 17, 2010
Adjust font size:

Australian Harry Kewell has rejected claims of a rift within the camp following their opening 4-0 loss to Germany in the ongoing World Cup.

The Australian's 2010 World Cup adventure in Group D could not have got off to much of a worse start after their heavy defeat and the dismissal of Tim Cahill. Their struggle against the Germans has led to suggestions of an unsettled group, with coach Pim Verbeek coming under fire, particularly for his team selection.

But Kewell said: "I think people are making things up. Speculation saying that there's a rift. There is no rift.

"We were all disappointed to lose that game, but we are all men, we take it on the chin and we go out there and have to move on for the game against Ghana.

"We all want to play, but we all can't play and it's the manager's decision and we've all stuck behind that. We are all right behind him, we've all got confidence in him to do the job."

Kewell, who plies his domestic trade at Galatasaray, did not feature against Germany, but is hopeful of being called upon when they take on Ghana in Rustenburg on Saturday.

"That was the manager's decision to do that," Kewell added on his omission. "He's the boss and you do what your boss says. It is a shame that people don't get that into their thick heads.

"No footballer ever goes up to a manager and says put me on, you can't do that. It's his rules, his way.

"I'm as fit as I can be. I'm happy to be out here and I'm enjoying my time here. I feel good and if I'm in the team I'll do my country proud like any other player would.

"I'm prepared to play 90 minutes and that's what I've prepared for the last four weeks."

Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comments

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter