Baccus: Socceroos 'focussing on themselves' as Asian Cup heats up

Lewis Wiseman // Photo Credit: Aleksandar Jason/Socceroos 1705433507,1705452371

The Asian Cup is very much in full swing now as every nation has played their first game, and with that talk has begun on who looks strong enough to win the tournament.

All the conversation outside the Subway Socceroos camp has not influenced the players and staff though, as Keanu Baccus explained.

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“We have all the games on, and we are keeping an eye, but we are just worrying about ourselves, that’s the most important thing,” he said.

“We realise the competition is quite tough and every game is a tough game. But the most important thing is we focus on ourselves.”

The group is currently focussed on the Syria match that is set to take place on Thursday, 18 January at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

Baccus said they know what to expect from their next opponent.

“We quickly reviewed the India game after it was done and then moved on to the next game and we're getting ready for that game,” he said.

“We know it will be quite similar, so we will see how we set up in training, I don't want to give too much away, but we'll just make sure that we're ready for that game as much as possible.”

In more recent times Baccus has filled the role left by Socceroos great Aaron Mooy and he said whilst they are big boots to fill, he is cherishing the challenge.

“'Azza' (Aaron Mooy) is different class to be honest, I am trying to be myself and input my own style, but in terms of his legacy it will live on forever for the Socceroos for sure, I think he was a great player, and he was great to learn off,” he said.

“I am trying to move forward in my own style and make that position something I can do my own way.”

His style has been evident to Socceroos fans in his performances as he has shown he is a very energetic midfielder with solid stamina and work rate, all of which will stand him in good stead in the future.

But rather than looking forward, he wants to focus on the here and now, with Australia at the Asian Cup.

“I don't want to think about the future too much, I just want to enjoy the moment, because if you get away from that, added pressure is not great for you as a footballer,” he said.

“I guess in terms of the future, if I was to talk about it, I'm coming to my last six months of my contract, it would be great to see what's out there for me and what my next step is.

“But I just want to take each game as it comes and do my absolute best, for my family, and for my country.”

The Sammy Silvera & Keanu Baccus Post Game Show! | Australia vs India

SUBWAY SOCCEROOS AFC ASIAN CUP QATAR 2023™ FIXTURES (GROUP B):

Syria v Australia
Thursday, 18 January 2024
Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha
Kick-off: 2:30pm local (10:30pm AEDT)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+

Australia v Uzbekistan
Tuesday, 23 January 2024
Al Janoub Stadium, Doha
Kick-off: 2:30pm local (10:30pm AEDT)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+

Every AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 match will be live on Paramount+