Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with Joe Simunic Simunic on life as an injured athlete and some alternative Diegos rehabilitation…. Diegos: "It seems that the Four Diegos have been proclaiming your star quality to the world since you were in nappies. It's as though a lifetime has passed since you won an Ericsson Cup championship with the Melbourne Knights in 1994. Your time in Germany however has been frustrating. How have you coped with life as an injured athlete in a foreign land? Simunic: "It's been pretty difficult. I've never been injured before in my life but since my transfer to Hamburg, the problems seem to be just dragging on. On the positive side, I have learnt a language and become accustomed to living on my own. All l need to do now is to get back on to that pitch." Diegos: " Your foot injury has been a source of frustration for you. It has been dragging on for a while. Has the German medicos' time honored Oktoberfest, 'Drink More Beer' approach to foot injury rehabilitation been the major reason for the injury's slow improvement?" Simunic: "Actually l haven't thought about it that way - it could well be the reason. I consider Australian sports medicine as the most advanced in the world. It's very surprising, but in Germany, in some instances, the sport's medicine practices leave a lot to be desired. It can get quite frustrating." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: "A former teammate of yours, Socceroo striker, Mark Viduka, during the week, walked out on his new club, Glasgow Celtic, before playing a game. You have been placed under incredible pressure and expectation at times throughout your career. Can you tell us a little about the sort of pressure that you and Mark have experienced, coming from Australia and playing professionally overseas? Simunic: " I don't think that people in Australia realize what the pressure is like playing overseas. The clubs pay you a lot of money and they expect your maximum performance, week in week out. If you don't perform you're going to have problems." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: "A message from Ned Zelic's mum. We know that he is doing very well at present with TSV 1860 Munich. Is he looking after himself and how highly is he regarded in the Bundesliga?" Simunic: " I haven't caught up with Ned so I can't reassure his mum about his well being, but I know for a fact, that he is doing very well on the field. He has played nearly every game in the past year and the Munich coach considers him a vital player in their team. " Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diego: "Top German club, Bayern Munich have been coined 'FC Hollywood' by the German media because of the frequent public squabbling between their players, coaches and administration. In short, the players have been accused of behaving like 'Prima Donnas'. Have you found German players to be arrogant and egotistical?" Simunic: "To tell you the truth, the German players are very arrogant. Some of the average players think that they are better than they really are. I think its just part of their mentally and make up that they think that way." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: " You are young enough to play for the Olyroos at the Sydney Olympics. It is not clear yet whether you will be there wearing the Green and Gold. What issues must you personally consider before you make a decision whether to play for Australia or not?" Simunic: " That's a difficult question. Everyone has a dream in life. I respect anyone who pursues their dream irrespective of the field they're in. When the time comes l will speak to my family and friends and l hope that whatever my decision, people will respect that." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: " The dream for all young Aussie soccer players is to play overseas and of course, to drive on the German 'Speed Kills' Autobahn. We would like to know how you found both those experiences?" Simunic: " My dream has always been to play overseas. One day, I'd like to play for the biggest club in the world, which in my mind is Real Madrid. My other major soccer-playing goal is to play in a World cup. It's not easy but l have found that nothing is easy in the world of professional soccer. But I'm prepared to work hard and be patient for the results. As far as the German Autobahn is concerned, I want to be injury free so I personally keep off it."
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