After being called up to his second consecutive Subway Socceroos squad, Nishan Velupillay spoke to the media today about the upcoming AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 fixtures against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, his relationship with head coach Tony Popovic and more.
Velupillay made his debut for the Green and Gold back in October, scoring in his maiden appearance too after coming on late against China PR.
The exciting forward also made a cameo against Japan, and is back in the squad after a strong start to the A-League Mens season that has seen him net two goals in four games.
Here’s what he had to say when he faced the media earlier today.
On his current form
I feel pretty good at the moment. I think there's a lot I can improve on which I'm looking to do. But I think so far my performances have been good.
On his relationship with Popovic
Obviously he was very important for my development in my younger years. For the last three years, he's been an important figure in my career, but I think I know what to expect from him. And on a national stage, it's even more. But I know what he wants from certain players, standards and discipline, and I think that understanding has probably built over the last three years.
On what to expect from the Socceroos this window
I think the last camp was about laying the foundations. As you can see, we want to dominate the ball as much as possible, but also be hard to beat. So, if we can combine those two things on and off the ball, I think we’ll produce good performances.
On playing on the biggest stage
I think I can match it on the national stage. I think for any player, they have to believe that they're good enough for any level. So, that's my mindset going into this.
On the upcoming two games
It's an exciting prospect. We know we've got to win both games and we’re looking to win both games. I think it's always a good challenge to have this problem, but I think we're ready to go.
On taking on Saudi Arabia
They obviously have good individual players that can produce moments of brilliance, so it's always something you've got to watch out for. They make the game difficult to play, whether it's stop, start or not. I think while they have some really good individual players we also have ours, and we'll be looking to use our strengths as much as possible.
On the importance of the clash with Saudi
I think we all know how important the game is. We're only on day one in the camp, so not all the boys are here yet. But I think everyone knows the importance of the game, and we don't need any kind of rev-up to get up for this game.
On playing in front of friends and family in Melbourne
It’s a great opportunity, it'll be really good. It's a bit weird staying in a hotel in Melbourne when I live here, but it's an opportunity I’m looking to take.
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+