Scott Galloway says filling good Ben Garuccio’s shoes at Adelaide is a career defining move.
SCOTT Galloway says filling good mate Ben Garuccio’s shoes at the Reds will prove his signature move in football.
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SCOTT Galloway says filling good mate Ben Garuccio’s shoes at Adelaide United will prove his signature move in football after a year to forget in Wellington.
Left-back Garuccio has ignited for Scottish side Hearts and Galloway says the Reds 2018-19 squad mix and unrivalled fitness base will take his 100-game career “to the next level”.
“It is pretty funny I am pretty good mates with Ben. As soon as he saw I had signed here he gave me a message. He has done great since going to Hearts,” said Galloway, a youth international with Garuccio.
Wellington finished ninth in a 2017-18 campaign punctuated by the December exits of midfielder Dario Vidosic and assistant coach Rado Vidosic. Darije Kalezic was replaced by Mark Rudan as head coach for 2018-19.
Galloway left the Phoenix despite playing 22 games last season and trained individually in Melbourne before United boss Marco Kurz challenged the defender to demand a contract last month.
“Last season was disappointing personally and team wise. United wanted me to come and trial. I felt confident that I would impress and everything went well,” said Galloway.
Kurz’ training regimen has lived up to the hype with Galloway convinced the Reds can push for silverware in 2018-19.
“It is the best I have felt physically and been playing. The club had very good vibes from day one,” said Galloway, relishing an August 29 FFA Cup round of 16 clash away against Queensland Lions.
“I had heard about the training schedule. It represents Europe with double sessions. Fitness wise you feel the difference, drive. Marco demands 100 per cent all the time.”
Galloway, 23, feels fortunate working to the left of stopper recruit Michael Jakobsen, linking with Craig Goodwin and midfield screened by skipper Isaias. Galloway’s desire to use speed and take on opposition can be accommodated.
“I want to get up and down as much as I can. The quality of players around like Jakobsen and Isaias gives me freedom to push how I want to play,” said Galloway,” who provided an assist for Mirko Boland in Adelaide’s 6-0 friendly win against Comets on Thursday.
“Craig Goodwin has an absolute wand of a left foot and I’m getting a good partnership with Jako as well.”
Adelaide visits Melbourne Victory on December 8 and Galloway has the date against his original club circled.
“It is going to be interesting lining up on the other side,” said Galloway, with Victory from 2012-16.
“It would be great to beat Victory with Honda there.”