Following a 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur, Cameron Burgess spoke about the win, his recent form and striving for FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualification as he joined the squad before an all-important Asian Qualifier against Saudi Arabia on Thursday night.
Burgess has started the last four matches for club side Ipswich Town in the English Premier League, playing a crucial role in their first victory of the campaign on the weekend against Spurs.
As he now turns his attention to another major match in his career, he spoke to the media earlier today.
Here’s what he had to say.
On winning against Tottenham in the Premier League
These are the little things that you dream of when you when you're a kid. To one, play in the Premier League and then to win your first game in it, it's pretty special and maybe a moment for reflection at some point there down the line.
On his game time for Ipswich
That's what we're there to do, try and play games at the highest level. I’ve not changed a lot, to be honest. Just worked hard, worked for my chance. Thankfully, that came. It's been enjoyable the last month for me personally.
On striving for automatic qualification
We're in the position we're in through our own performances, right? We've put ourselves back in a position to take control of it. And that's we want to do. We want to be one of the best teams in this competition. It's in our hands to do that, and we have to go and show that we can be that.
On balancing club and international football
Obviously, when you're at your clubs, you've got a lot of different things to focus on, so it's about getting the balance right. We're definitely checked up on what we're up to. Fitness is the main one, how we're getting on and minutes on the pitch, and they're always watching us play. It's about focusing on your club when you're playing for your club and then focusing on the national team when you're here.
On his time at Ipswich
Since I've been at the club, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind with a lot of success. It's special for the club, special for the fans. And you can really see the sort of difference it makes to people's lives in the Ipswich area. It’s special to be able to do that.
On the new coach bounce
It's the old cliché, I suppose. It's just some fresh ideas and everyone knuckling down and getting hard at work. The majority of the group hasn't changed. It's just a case of knuckling down and making sure we get things right. So far, in the last camp, that’s worked.
On playing with Jason Geria
I played with Jason in the younger age groups, so I knew what he was all about and what he could bring. There was no doubt in my mind what he could do when he came in. So it’s good to see him back.
On his recent run of form for club and country
That's football, that's how it works. You just have to deal with the peaks and troughs at times. But nothing changes on my front in my belief in what I can do and working hard and training hard every day. To be able to play in games at this level, both at club and for the national team, is special and I don't take it for granted.
On playing in a back three
I've played in a back three a lot of times throughout my career in different formations and the principles don't change. It's still the same job and just tweaking things that different managers might want. So nothing changes from my perspective. But I'm enjoying it, and I think it's worked for the group so far.
On what to expect from Saudi Arabia
It could be some different things thrown at us. They've got a new manager and a different way of playing. They've had that manager before, so they'll be familiar with each other. There are things to look at, and more importantly, what we can do to hurt them and try and take the onus of the game and get a good result.
Match Details
Subway Socceroos v Saudi Arabia
Thursday, 14 November 2024
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Bahrain v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday 19 November 2024
Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa
Kick-off: 9:15pm local Tuesday, 19 November 2024 (5:15am AEDT – Wednesday, 20 November)
Broadcast: Paramount+