Mat Ryan positive about chances of securing another club contract in Europe

Mat Ryan is focused on leading the Socceroos to a win over Japan on Thursday night rather than being worried about which club he will be playing for next season.

Mat Ryan’s club career is again in limbo, but the Socceroos captain isn’t concerned, confident he will secure a contract in Europe next season.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper’s contract with French club Lens expires this month and he’s “waiting” for news about his future.

Ryan only joined Lens in January from Roma, where he only made one competitive appearance in a tough six-month spell at the Italian club.

The former Central Coast Mariners custodian has bounced around Europe in recent seasons, with Lens – where he made 14 appearances – having been his fifth club in four years.

However, as he prepares for the Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup qualifier in Perth on Thursday night against Japan, Ryan is “feeling at ease” about his future.

Socceroos captain Mat Ryan is ‘feeling at ease’ about his club future. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

“I’m just waiting,” he said.

“We’re in that period now where the transfer window opened on the first of June, so I’m not too worried.

“I go out there and try my best, and everything sorts itself out at the end of the day. That’s been the trend throughout my career, so I’m feeling quite at ease about that, and just focused on the job at hand with the Socceroos.

“I’m feeling good, and I’m feeling still quite young. I’ve just got to continue to do the job and prove that I’m a world-class goalkeeper through my performances, and the rest will take care of itself.

“I’m hungrier than I’ve ever been before. I want to live the best life possible, and I want to have the best career I can possibly have, and I dedicate my life to that.”

Ryan was also positive about the Socceroos’ chances of beating Japan for the first time in 11 matches, with Australia’s most recent win over the Samurai Blue being a 2-1 victory in Melbourne in June 2009.

Depending on the result of Saudi Arabia’s away clash with Bahrain on Friday morning (AEST), a Socceroos win, or even draw., on Thursday night could be enough to secure 2026 World Cup qualification.

Perhaps helping Australia’s cause will be the decision of Japan – who have already qualified for the World Cup – to leave a host of its best players at home.

“Anything that they do doesn’t impact my confidence,” Ryan said.

“I’m just focused on what we do here and focused on what we can control.

“You’ve got to go out there and believe that you can overcome whatever challenge is in front of you, and obviously there’s a fine line without being arrogant and being complacent.

“In my eyes, we’re the best in Asia. If you don’t believe you’re the best, then you’re failing at the first hurdle.”