Tim Cahill Q&A: ‘Always have had respect for the Middle East countries’

Tim Cahill, in Abu Dhabi with Australia for a friendly against UAE on Friday night, talks about his experience in the region and the 2015 Asian Cup.

Tim Cahill is Australia's most capped player and all-time goal scoring leader. David Gray / Reuters

Tim Cahill is Australia’s most capped player and the leading scorer for his country. The Australian captain was speaking from his side’s training camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of friendlies against the UAE (in Abu Dhabi on Friday) and Qatar (in Doha on Tuesday) which are part of their preparations for the Asian Cup, which they host from January 9 to 31.

Q: What are the benefits of having a camp in this part of the world at this time of the year?

A: As an Aussie it is a little bit hot but I think for us we may have to try and look at the positives. In the last 10 years playing for Australia and the last five years against the Middle East teams in Asia I reckon it is good to go through this kind of drills. The game has become slower but if you can play in the heat you can play in any sort of weather. To be honest, I really don't mind playing in this heat. It is the same for them as for us.

It is a bit difficult, particularly with the youngsters coming in who have never experienced this weather before. We are seeing we have a good camp in here ahead of Friday’s game.

Q: As a senior player how would you evaluate the youngsters in the squad?

A: The senior players will have to lead them through on and off the park, the way we conduct ourselves as a team and a country. We have train hard and we know we have to have the mindset to do well. I have the experience of playing in three World Cups and two Asian Cups. We want to really help nurture these young players and at the same time really push them to the maximum on what they can deliver for the future of Australian football.

Q: Do you know much about the UAE team whom you will play on Friday?

A: We have a lot of experience playing against the Middle East teams. We respect them as a country and a team, and most importantly as footballers. We know they are technically very gifted. They have a great squad and play great football but overall for us it is about implementing what we are going to do in the Asian Cup, putting together the tactics and formation of how we want to play.

Q: How will you take the two friendlies against the UAE and Qatar?

A: We want to take every game leading up to the Asian Cup seriously. These games are vital for such big a competition in Australia.

Q: Being hosts, do you feel extra pressure in the Asian Cup?

A: There is a massive amount of pressure because we are expected to do well, and when you are at home you have the home advantage. I feel throughout my playing career as a nation we have had this pressure having to do well in competitions and shine. We have to try and embrace it and respect the teams we are playing against. In our group we have three difficult games and that's why we are playing against similar teams like the UAE and Qatar.

Q: In your opinion, who may be the main title contenders?

A: It is hard because you can always say Japan and South Korea but it is always an underdog that comes and shocks us all. For us, we are going to respect every team. Some teams have obviously been playing in the world stage but for me it is better to treat all of them the same. We want to concentrate in our own group (against South Korea, Oman and Kuwait) to qualify to the next round.

Q: How do you rate the UAE team?

A: They are technically good because we have played against them in the past. The thing is that football is developing every year and it is different every time you play against a team. The teams are moving forward.

Q: You name has been linked with the UAE clubs in the past. Would you still be interested in playing for one of them if you are given an offer?

A: Of course it has been true in the past. I always have had great respect for the Middle East countries when there was an interest but that comes with football. Who knows? The main thing is to concentrate on the Asian Cup and my club New York Red Bulls.

Q: You have shown great commitment travelling all the way from America to play for Australia

A: It is your country and I feel as anyone who would play for their country. You have to choose every moment. At age 34, when I retire in the years to come, I can look back at what I achieved as long as I am an international. Just being a part of this group and helping lead these boys and at the same time, myself making an impact. It is something that I would want forever. It took an awful lot to play for my country and now I am taking every chance I can.

Q: You are 34 - do you think of retirement?

A: We are just coming out of the World Cup and we have the Asian Cup coming up, so I retire when I'm ready to retire. Right now I am not.

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