NEW COACHES BRING BIG POSITIVES: COLLI

2014_11_19_Inglewood_pre-season_training_3106Club stalwart Jason Colli has given a resounding ‘thumbs up’ to his first few months under new coaches Michael Garcia and Victor Sikora. Appointed in late August to lead Inglewood United into 2015, Garcia and Sikora are amongst the most experienced and knowledgeable coaches in the National Premier Leagues.

Garcia, an Australian youth level, played professionally for Perth Glory, Canberra Cosmos and Marine Castle United before being forced into retirement at the age of 25 by injury. Sikora gained six caps for the Netherlands in a 300-plus game career which included spells with Go Ahead Eagles, Vitesse, Ajax and Perth Glory.

“Michael and Victor understand the game very well, which is hardly surprising given they both played at a very high level,” said Colli. “Our preparation for the coming season has benefitted from what they experienced as players as they understand what the playing group needs at certain times, and that helps keep everyone motivated.”

Colli rates his current bosses as amongst the best of his twelve years at Inglewood. “Michael and Victor are very professional in every aspect of what they do and demand a high standard from the players,” the 31-year old defender commented. “They have a winning mentality and are highly motivated in taking this club to the top of the NPL.”

Inglewood’s new season commences in earnest this weekend when they face Armadale in Sunday’s early Night Series fixture at Litis Stadium (5.00pm kick-off). The tournament is viewed by some clubs as a trophy to win, however, that’s not the case for Inglewood who’ll use the traditional season opener as way of fine-tuning for the main events.

“We have not set any goals for the Night Series as our focus is on the NPL and FFA Cup competitions,” Colli explained. “Our primary goal for the Night Series is to learn how the coaches want us to play as a team and build towards the season proper. Personally, I’d like to win it but we’ll get the group games done and see where we end up.”