Mariners star signing Luis Garcia already sees where he can make a difference

IT took just one beautifully weighted pass that produced a goal to convince A-League fans what Luis Garcia already knew – that even at 37, there is some magic left in those feet.

IT took just one beautifully weighted pass that produced a goal to convince A-League fans what Luis Garcia already knew – that even at 37, there is some magic left in those feet.

In the space of only 10 minutes against Western Sydney on Saturday night, the Liverpool legend put the doubters left scratching their heads at the wisdom of his signing by the Central Coast Mariners back in their box.

But ask him if he was surprised by his immediate impact in a game ultimately won 2-1 by the Wanderers despite his 18 month absence from the sport and only one training session with his new club, a gracious Garcia said: “I do what I know what to do. It’s not like I tried something different.

Luis Garcia in action for the Central Coast Mariners against the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday night.

“The way I played, I always played and it’s easy because (teammates), they run a lot and are always looking for the ball so for a player like me who likes to look for those spaces, it’s very good.”

“So for a player like me who likes to look for those spaces, it’s very good.”

“I felt I could help because I saw a lot of space in between the lines, which is the way I like to play,” he said.

“I know how (Spanish Wanderers midfielders) Dimas and Andreu play.

“They are players that like to have the ball, but they don’t have a lot of range around to run.

“So I knew I had my chances.”

Wanderers coach Tony Popovic was suitably impressed when asked for his opinion of the Spaniard.

Luis Garcia of the Mariners controls the ball.

Luis Garcia of the Mariners in action against the Wanderers.

“Good – too good for my liking,” he said.

“He made an impact when he came on, the crowd lifted. He played a fantastic through ball and they got the goal from it and they were on a high.

“So far, the signs are good – he’ll be great for the A-League.”

Mariners coach Tony Walmsley said Garcia would definitely travel with the team to Wellington for their next match against Phoenix and would again come off the bench as an impact player but Garcia admitted he needed to get up to speed quickly.

Luis Garcia poses for a photo with fans.

“Hopefully very soon, I can start playing,” he said.

“We spoke with the coach and it is not easy to start and have other minutes but there are not too many more games so I can’t wait a month and a half (to start) because that’s when I finish.”

The straight red card dished out to Mariners skipper Nick Montgomery in the 79th minute for a crude tackle on Golgol Mebrahtu when the scores were locked at 1-1 proved the turning point.

Up against 10 men, the Wanderers re-gained control and it was no surprise to see them grab a late winner via substitute Brendon Santalab.

Originally published as Mariners star signing Luis Garcia already sees where he can make a difference