Returning to Sydney with the Socceroos for the first time since his move to Norwegian giants Rosenborg BK, we caught up with former Sydney FC defender Alex Gersbach to see how it feels to be home, and how Norway compares to Australia.
Back at Allianz for the first time since your move, how does it feel to be back?
It’s really nice to be home in Sydney. We’ve been here for a few days now and we had our first session at Allianz last night. That place feels like home to me, it’s just something about it, and to make my Socceroos debut there would be amazing. Hopefully it happens.
Allianz Stadium is where it all started for you professionally, what are you fondest memories of playing at the Stadium?
My main memory that sticks in my head, and will forever, would be my first starting debut against the Wanderers at Allianz. I think it was round two in my first season and that will stay in my memory for a long time. Brosquey scored the winner in the 89th minute and the fans ran on the field. That was pretty special.
How has the move to Norway been?
It’s going really well, life’s good in Norway. Everything is going well with football, the club is good, everyone is friendly and welcoming and it’s a nice little city as well.
How would you compare Rosenborg to Sydney FC?
I guess it’s pretty similar in a way because Sydney is probably one of the biggest clubs in Australia and the facilities are up to standard and it’s the same with Rosenborg. They’re one of the biggest clubs in Norway and you can compare the teams, two big teams in two small leagues, so I guess it’s pretty similar.
What’s the style of football like?
The football is a bit different, it’s going to take a while for me to get used to I think. It’s more counter-attacking, more end to end football, it’s hard to explain but it’s different to the A-League.
It’s been a whirlwind rise for you, how have you coped with it?
Everything in my career has happened really fast up until now, but you’ve got to go with the flow I guess, and take it in your stride and try and make the most of it. That’s what I’m going to try and do and we’ll see where it goes from there.
