Mark Schwarzer’s decision to sign with Premier League giant Chelsea could leave the veteran goalkeeper’s spot on the Australian national side in jeopardy.
Schwarzer opted to sign a one-year deal with Chelsea on Tuesday, a move that will see him play behind the club’s No.1 goalkeeper Peter Cech. The decision has drawn criticism from football analysts who are concerned a possible lack of playing time could result in Socceroos coach Holger Osieck leaving the 40-year-old out of Australia’s best 11 at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
Schwarzer’s five-year stint at Fulham came to end when the club signed Dutch international Marten Stekelenburg. Saying he wanted to remain the No.1 option in goal for a Premier League side, Schwarzer opted to go elsewhere.
Despite agreeing to be Cech’s support keeper, Schwarzer must believe he’ll still see ample playing opportunity.
“Petr is number one – that goes without saying,” 40-year-old Schwarzer told Sky Sports News.
“There’s a lot of games throughout the season and, I know that if I’m pushing as hard as I can do, then there’ll be opportunities along the way.”
The move is one former EPL and Socceroos veteran Robbie Slater describes as a risk.
“For me, it’s a big gamble,” Slater told Fox Sports on Wednesday.
“For me, it’s also a little bit surprising because I thought Mark left Fulham really because he wasn’t guaranteed the No.1 position.
“We need Mark Schwarzer – particularly at his age – playing week-in, week-out to keep his reflexes sharp.
“Of course it could happen – with an injury or if something happens to Petr Cech – but, given the recent history of Cech, that looks very, very unlikely.
“If he doesn’t play, it’s a worry for the Socceroos.”
Schwarzer has been a loyal servant for the Socceroos, competing for Australia since making his debut with Under-17 team in 1989. He has made 108 appearances for the national side, and if selected in Brazil, would be making his third appearance at a World Cup Finals.
After having helped Australia secure a third consecutive World Cup appearance recently on home soil, the soon-to-be 41-year-old ihas openly declared his loyalty to the Socceroos.
“I’m fully focused on the Socceroos first and foremost,” he said in June.
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