Gauci is 'enjoying learning' off goalkeeping teammates ahead of first Asian Cup

Fresh off a first international clean sheet against Bahrain, shot-stopper Joe Gauci will be ready if called upon during Australia’s Asian Cup campaign, but knows there is more to learn off the pitch than on it.

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As Subway Socceroos’ captain Maty Ryan continues his recovery from a facial fracture, Adelaide United goalkeeper Joe Gauci has become the latest to stand between the sticks at international level.

The goalkeeper was mostly untested in Australia’s most recent friendly match, securing a first clean sheet at this level, but insists that he will be ready if needed for the Socceroos’ first AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ clash, against India on Saturday.

100% I'm ready to go. That's why I'm here.

“I'm here firstly, because of my performances that I’m putting in for Adelaide and I have to believe in myself, that I'm here for a reason and have been picked for a reason. If the opportunity is presented to me, I'm ready to go and to do a job for Australia.”

“I'm really fortunate just to be in this position. If I'm able to get on the field on Saturday, it would be a really special moment for myself and my family and everyone that's supported me along the way.”

The 23-year-old understands though, that there are always, as he says, ‘two sides to the coin’, with playing time not being the sole determiner of whether the tournament is a success for himself and his career.

“I'm also here to learn and develop. I've got two fantastic experience goalkeepers in Maty [Ryan] and Lawrence [Thomas], and I'm working alongside John Crawley.”

“I understand I need to be a sponge and just ask them questions and learn off them. In a goalkeeping sense, it's a position that everyone does slightly differently.”

“So it's really refreshing to work with new goalkeepers and watch their styles really closely and get to see it firsthand, the way they set for shots and just the way they deal with different shots.”

The South Australian has quickly established himself as one of the most imposing figures in the A-League Men competition, with his wide frame and superb reflexes having become a nightmare for opposition forwards.

However, Gauci is aware that the step up into continental football requires a strong repertoire of skills to help combat Asia’s fiercest forward lines.

"Goalkeeping is something everyone can do in different ways but I like to just keep a cool head. I still feel the nerves but I just tell myself that it’s an energy where I'm ready to go, I'm ready to perform."

Tweet: https://twitter.com/JoeGauci46/status/1743941578216099919

“When playing out from the back, Maty [Ryan] is someone who is superb with his feet, Lawrence [Thomas] as well. Being able to see the distribution, the way he can execute with both left and right foot is, is amazing.”

“With the day to day, Maty is someone who's a superb professional, and really looks after himself on and off the field. He's someone that has been playing at the highest level for a number of years now.”

“So over the course of the last few camps, being able to see him up close and ask him questions about his routines and the way he goes about things, it's really motivating for me.” 

He is someone who has a wealth of knowledge and experience and I'm enjoying learning off him.

The goalkeeping 'union' is strong amongst the green and gold set-up and Gauci will be the first to applaud the work done by captain Maty Ryan and keeper coach John Crawley in helping provide an intense training environment for all three to develop and learn.

"Maty's sharp, very, very sharp. He looks ready to go. We've still got four or five days of training now before the first game so I'm sure the sharpness will continue to improve from him."

"It's a camp and a group where everyone gets on really well, there is immediate camaraderie between the group and it helps build these relationships." 

"There's a collective understanding of everyone's role and responsibility, regardless of who's on the field or off the field, everyone has a clear understanding of the jobs for each position."

Having missed out on a spot in Qatar 12 months earlier, the 23-year-old feels the magnitude of what has happened in this country for the Subway Socceroos previously, and intends to write a new chapter.

"I think upon our arrival, as well into Doha here, it's definitely become a lot more real for myself. We have a lot of the Socceroos [signage] from room to room and through the corridors, it's really exciting and I'm looking forward to it getting underway."

"My full focus is on my attitude this next week, and at the end of the day, the selection and Maty's fitness I can't control, but I'm looking forward to doing a job and putting 100% effort in for my country, in what capacity that is, whether it's on the field or on the bench."

"Look, I think at the end of the day, I'm very pleased with where I am. And putting it like that, I can reflect, and my journey has been a fantastic one. And I'm so grateful for the opportunities that I have, you know, both with Adelaide and now here with the national team."

But in saying that I'm someone that's very ambitious, I have high standards of myself.

Australia have been champions of Asia previously, so when Joe Gauci rests his head at night, does he imagine himself and his teammates lifting the coveted silver Asian Cup crown above his head?

"I think all our players go through that. But the dream isn't keeping me awake, it's helping me fall asleep. That would be a real dream come true."

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

READ MORE: How To Watch: Australia at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™