Caltex Socceroos defender joins French club on loan

Caltex Socceroos defender Alex Gersbach has joined French Ligue 2 side RC Lens on a six-month loan deal as he strives to gain more regular first-team football. 

The 20-year-old has struggled for game time with his Norwegian club Rosenborg in recent months. 

A FRESH FOOTBALLING START

“It's a new start in my career and I'm really looking forward to it,” Gersbach told the club's website shortly after his arrival from Norway’s Rosenborg where he has spent the last two years.

“Everyone has been really friendly.

“I can't wait to meet my team-mates and work with them.

“I want to integrate and feel important in the group and contribute as much as possible to the success of the team.

“I visited the stadium this afternoon - it's fantastic, and I can't wait to play there in front of the fans.

“I was told that they were among the best in the country,” said Gersbach.

FOLLOWING IN ROBBIE'S FOOTSTEPS

Former Socceroo and now Fox Sports pundit Robbie Slater spent five years playing at Lens from 1990-1994 and is still fondly remembered by those at the club.

“I've heard a lot today about Robbie Slater and I know Robbie from being in Australia,” said Gersbach.

“I actually played with his son when I was 14 or 15 years old.

“I might give [Robbie] a call over the next few days and chat about a few things.”

Robbie Slater in action for the Socceroos in 1993.
Robbie Slater in action for the Socceroos in 1993.

LEARNING THE LINGO

One of Gersbach's first off-field tasks will be learning to speak French in order to communicate with players and coaches.

“It's going to be important that I learn the basic football talk in French,” said the four-cap Caltex Socceroo.

“I'll be working hard over the next few months,” he smiled.

Lens are currently 15th in the 20-team Ligue 2.

Gersbach is likely to miss their next match - a French Cup match on Wednesday - but could play his first game for his new club when they welcome Orleans to their home ground of Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday.