Keisuke Honda and Sam Kerr thriving on the pressure of marquee status
THEIR arrivals have turbocharged the A-League and W-League seasons and Keisuke Honda and Sam Kerr are ready to deliver on the expectations of being highest paid players in Australian domestic football history.
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THE highest paid players in Australian domestic soccer history have declared they feel no pressure heading into the summer.
Keisuke Honda’s arrival at Melbourne Victory and Sam Kerr’s return to Perth Glory have turbo-charged the A-League and W-League seasons.
Melbourne Victory’s star Japanese signing is commanding a $3.6 million playing wage – split evenly between the FFA’s marquee player fund and his club – is virtually on par with Alessandro Del Piero’s annual Sydney FC salary in 2012-14.
Kerr’s $300,000 W-League salary, which smashes the women’s wage record, is made up primarily from FFA’s marquee fund, which staved off more lucrative offers from European giants Chelsea, PSG, Lyon and German clubs.
Honda said his 300-plus games with Japan, AC Milan and CSKA Moscow have him used to the spotlight.
“I got used to this pressure. (I had it) many times (with the Japan) national team and (my clubs in) Italy and Russia, I made people disappointed and also I made people happy. That’s the life,’’ Honda said.
“I don’t have any magic. I just have to do my best every day.
“I know what I should do for improvement. I shouldn’t feel pressure and I just am thinking how to enjoy this season with Melbourne Victory supporters and teammates.”
Kerr, whose salary increases significantly once her Matildas contract, endorsements and US contract with Chicago Fire are included, is focused on preparing for a key period for the Matildas.
She said the W-League season, which kicks off on Thursday week, is crucial being the last before the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France and welcomed the pressure.
“I don’t think so (feel the pressure), I don’t think about that marquee title. It was things that I’d done previously so it doesn’t have any impact on what’s gonna be this season,’’ Kerr said.
“If people are worried more about me, hopefully my teammates can step up and score more goals and make a name for themselves.
“It wasn’t (an easy decision). It was a bit of a stressful time, but the World Cup’s the most important thing and this puts my best foot forward. I’m comfortable at home, I always play well for Glory so hopefully I stay healthy.
“Europe was my main thing, I was in a new team in Chicago, and I loved it so I’ll do one more season there and then (make a call on next W-League season).
“All the girls feel a responsibility, we’re really proud of our league. I’ve played in the W-League eight years now and every time I go to America there’s more and more players wanting to come here.
“So we have a responsibility to play here and make it one of the best leagues in the world.”
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Originally published as Keisuke Honda and Sam Kerr thriving on the pressure of marquee status