Segecic and Olyroos excited to be working with Meulensteen in Doha

Lewis Wiseman // Photo Credit: AFC Media 1713129011,1713157876

The Olyroos have had a special addition to the coaching staff at the camp in Doha for the U23 Asian Cup.

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Assistant coach of the Subway Socceroos, Rene Meulensteen has joined up with the team to provide insight and extra coaching for the young footballers.

Midfielder Adrian Segecic discussed Meulensteen’s visit and how great Olyroos coach Tony Vidmar and the rest of the staff have been in the camp so far.

“The coaching staff have been incredible, everyone in the staff has been incredible and it makes me feel at home,” he said.

“I really look forward to working with him (Rene Meulensteen) and learning a few things off him. It's really good to have an extra person like that to help me in my journey here.”

Adrian Segecic


Vidmar made clear that he wanted depth in all positions for this tournament, to which Segecic agreed is a good thing.

“You want to have a depth in these tournaments, you have a lot of games in a short period of time, and you never know what can happen,” he said.

“It's really good for the team and really good for boys to push and want to do really well.”

That squad depth could help the Olyroos break down some defences at this tournament as some teams may set up in a low block.

“I know a few teams might sit back in a block against us and try and make it difficult and get us on the counter-attack,” Segecic said.

“But I think we have players that can unlock defences, such as myself, I like getting in pockets turning and driving forward and creating things.”

He added: “I think that's it going to be really important in this tournament especially if teams are sitting back, we need to change things up and get a lot of players forward and create a lot of havoc.”

The 19-year-old also spoke to the pride he feels when he gets to represent his country.

“It's always a proud moment, especially in a in a big tournament like this and on a big stage like this, I think putting the Australian jersey on is a big privilege,” he said.

Looking slightly ahead, Segecic discussed how important it is for the squad to be at the Paris Olympics.

“I think for a lot of players, it's a life changing, career changing thing, so I think a lot of players are going to be looking forward to it,” he said.

“We’re going to give everything we can to make sure that we get to the Olympics.”

Whilst the Olyroos have set the target of winning this competition and qualifying for the Olympics, Segecic finished by saying it is important to take it game by game.

“I think the biggest thing is not getting too ahead of ourselves, and just looking forward to each game by game,” he said.

“I think if we win this tournament, then everything else takes care of itself.”

Tony Vidmar and Rene Meulensteen

AFC U-23 ASIAN CUP QATAR 2024™ FINALS – GROUP A

Australia v Jordan
Monday, 15 April 2024
Kick-off: 4pm (local) / 11pm AEST
Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha

Indonesia v Australia
Thursday, 18 April 2024
Kick-off: 4pm (local) / 11pm AEST
Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha

Qatar v Australia
Sunday, 21 April 2024
Kick-off: 6:30pm (local) / 1:30am AEST (Monday, 22 April)
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha