Melbourne City’s Spanish recruit David Villa will arrive in Australia early next week, just days before the new A-League season kicks off.
Villa is scheduled to attend the official launch of the 2014-2015 campaign at Etihad Stadium next Tuesday.
He will begin training with the squad immediately, with the club confirming he will be available for selection for their opening match against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on October 11.
“From what I have heard, my arrival has generated a lot of high expectations for the club and I hope that I can meet them – and that I can help the players, the coach and the entire team to perform well this season,” Villa said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to play at my best level in order to help the team.”
Coach John van `t Schip admits Villa’s late arrival will be a challenge, but said that was part of the short-term deal struck with the star striker, Manchester City and his new Major League Soccer outfit New York City.
“We all know that … but I’m not making a problem of it,” van `t Schip told Melbourne’s SEN radio on Tuesday.
“First of all, we have to see when he comes in where he is at, his physical level.
“We have talks with his personal trainer and he’s (been) training for weeks already in New York.
“When he comes over we are quite sure that he’s going to be at a high level.
“He’s a top professional and has been a top professional for his whole career … so I’m not too worried about that.”
Villa was originally slated to play 10 games as part of his guest stint Down Under, however van `t Schip suggested that might change.
“He’s going to appear in a lot of games – we don’t know exactly if it’s going to be 10,” he said.
“But the announcement of those things will be done when he’s here and then it will be more clear about what his program is going to be.”
The Dutch mentor also confirmed speculation that City were keen to sign Socceroo Josh Kennedy as their Australian marquee.
But he said a deal was still in the works.
“We keep an eye on all players because that spot is still open. Of course, Josh is one of those players,” he said.
“We are still defining that spot and hopefully we can announce that also in the coming weeks or months.
“It’s not done yet, but it’s sure one of the spots that we’re looking very hard for.”
clayts
Guest
I dunno. I kinda think the FFA/A League probably had a say in when he arrives. Not 100% confident but they might not have wanted to 'waste' the media opportunity by having him arrive during say the finals of the AFL or NRL. He arrives next week. AFL GF is long gone and now it's just the same old bombers drug experimentation program fiasco and ridiculous trade rumours and the NRL GF will have been played (and forgotten about 14.53 seconds after it is finished). That leaves clear media air and a few days for build up to the first round. As for the team mechanics part, I know Harry struggled a bit but i think that was more him underestimating the fitness levels and pace of the game. If anything, he misses the first game. Big deal. But surely if he was fit enough to play for Spain (and score) in the World Cup, he will be fit enough to play A League. Put him up forward and tell him his job is to score goals
Kyle Stewart
Roar Pro
My point is he's rocking up days before the season starts, thats not really professional if you ask me
AZ_RBB
Guest
Should be added that new WSW full back Seyi Abeleke hasn't arrived in Australia due to 'immigration reasons'. Mr Abbott is clearly an SFC fan :P
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
The first match in MLS history was on 6 April 1996. The first match in ALeague history was on 26 August 2005. There's a lot we can learn from the MLS experience. But, let's set reasonable expectations for development - especially with a smaller population.
Mazzalenko
Guest
Terry does make a good point that the MLS is superior at this stage and we need to look to model ourselves on what has been achieved in the US. As for Mr Villa whilst I accept he is the consummate professional and has been training in his spare time, I still am shocked that he is not going to get to the country until the week leading up to Rd 1, as I feel that he is not going to know his teammates well nor the system that Van't Schip wants to play. Remember it took Harry Kewell the best part of half a season to hit his stride for both Victory & Heart so I feel he will take some time to get into it so to speak
Post hoc
Guest
Imagine how boring the AFL grand final must be if corporate people have to hire strippers for their box to distract them from the game. Really dire reflection on the game if you ask me. Clearly a portion of their claimed 95,000 people aren't really there to watch the game. I know Rugby League has cheerleaders but at least they are only on during half time. But needing a stripper to 'perk' up the game (all puns intended)
AZ_RBB
Guest
Been a healthy level of media attention. Not that far off what the Swans got for making the AFL GF. Bring on Seoul!
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Yeah Terry if the A-League is so mediocre why do you bother wasting your prescious time imparting your profound wisdom for our benefit? :-)
Bondy
Guest
Terry Nonsense, How would you know you dont know what you're talking about, another jealous fan from another sport stuck in mediocrity nothing changes for you in sport Terry does it f^^^ it must be boring....
Terry
Guest
He is here primarily for a bit of match practice before he joins the MLS which is currently a better league with superior stadia, players and coverage. The a league should aim to emulate the MLS and close the gap within a decade. First order of business must surely be more teams in Qld and in Wollongong. Second thing that needs fixing is the ludicrous salaries being paid for mediocrity. No wonder the clubs are broke.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Actually Mid the Grill Team had Poppa on their show this morning , everyone I talk to is going to be watching -the press are pumping it too and if we win tomorrow night the leverage will go thru da roof
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Yeah, leaving it late means he won't know who Hoff, Duga or Redders are but the bloke is a goal poachers. Just send it to him on the deck anywhere near the penalty area and he'll do the rest. Trust me ;)
Griffo
Roar Guru
As the article suggests it will be interesting where Villa is at fitness wise. While he has appeared professional in the past, I hope he hasn't underestimated the league or what is required, even if for only 10 games. It all smacks a little of a pre-season run for New York City unfortunately. I still hope he kills it and his short stint is celebrated with plenty for the highlight reels once he jets off but there has been a bit left to chance with a late arrival.
Punter
Guest
Yes I agree mate, but this is their time of the season. It is GF week, so not too concerned
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
He's a professional footballer. I've not followed his career intimately, but I've never known him to not be fully committed on the park. And I've never heard of him being a unprofessional off-the park.
Kyle Stewart
Roar Pro
He's here for a bit of a laugh if you ask me
Midfielder
Guest
Punter Tis more I am saying the ACL match still struggles with the MSM to get coverage and with four Sydney NRL sides Football is struggling to get much of a mention ... if the Drive Bys win when the NRL season is over there will be heaps of coverage...
Punter
Guest
It doesn't matter anymore Mid, once they reach the final, there will be plenty of publicity, we love being champions.
Midfielder
Guest
AZ With the four Sydney NRL sides ... especially Souths and the Dogs it been difficult for the ACL match to break into the news cycle...
AZ_RBB
Guest
Considering how late he has arrived and that MLS pre-season probably won't start til February 2015, it'll be nice to see him stick around til Round 11 or 12 at least which will include a home derby and Boxing Day match at home.