With three weeks to go till the opening round of the 2013-14 Hyundai A-League season, Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi is pleased with the balance and strength of his squad.
Introducing experience into the playing group appeared to be Aloisi’s objective during the transfer window, as he brought in Australian internationals Harry Kewell and Patrick Kisnorbo, Dutch pair Orlando Engelaar and Robert Wielaert ,as well as Maltese striker Michael Mifsud.
“We wanted to bring in [what] we thought were going to be good experienced players and leaders and you can see that with the players we’ve bought in,” Aloisi said.
Aside from international experience, the latest additions have previously spent time wearing the armband for their club or country.
“We’ve bought in quite a few ex-captains of their clubs. Robbie Wielaert captained FC Twente. Michael (Mifsud) has captained Malta quite a few times. You’ve got Harry (Kewell) who’s had good experience, and Paddy Kisnorbo captained Leicester for so many years.”
Despite already boasting a squad of 23 players, Aloisi is soon to announce the signing of 25-year-old Italian midfielder Andrea Migliorini to cover for injured marquee Orlando Engelaar, who is out till 2014 with a broken femur.
“Of course it’s unlucky what happened to Orlando, but we move on and I’m quite happy with the strength of the squad at the moment,” Aloisi said.
34-year-old fellow Dutchman Wielaert has also been carrying an injury throughout pre-season, but Aloisi is “confident he will be there for round one.”
Aloisi also had updates on Nick Kalmar (back) and Dylan Macallister (hamstring).
“Nicky Kalmar, he’ll start training with us next week. We’re not sure if he’ll be ready for round one.
“Dylan Macallister probably won’t be available for round one but were hoping that all the others will be there if not for the first game but for the second.”
Winger Iain Ramsay (Adelaide United) and goalkeeper Tando Velaphi (Melbourne Victory) have also been introduced to the squad alongside newly promoted youths David Vrankovic, Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk.
“We’ve good experience and we’ve also got good young players that’ll come along this year again. We’re happy with the balance of young and experienced players this season,” Aloisi said.