While Richard Garcia’s foray into the Hyundai A-League spans just 13 games, the Melbourne Heart FC midfielder’s inaugural season in Australia’s top tier has already been painted as a success.
While Richard Garcia-s foray into the Hyundai A-League spans just 13 games, the Melbourne Heart FC midfielder-s inaugural season in Australia-s top tier has already been painted as a success.
Garcia, 31, has been an inspirational figure for the Red and White, demonstrating his ability as a dangerous attacking midfielder, while earning a Qantas Socceroos call-up as a result of his consistent form.
With four goals to his name and a handful of assists, Garcia has made a healthy contribution this season, but the Heart’s number 11 is, first and foremost, focussed on improving his side’s fortunes as opposed to fine-tuning his own performances.
“After the weekend [the 1-2 loss to Sydney FC] it was a pretty hard pill to swallow, but we need to put that into the back of our minds now and just concentrate on Adelaide,” Garcia said.
“I think the boys have bounced back quite well and the mood is quite good.”
While second-placed Adelaide visit AAMI Park on the back of a 3-2 win over Perth Glory – in which the Reds registered an impressive first-half display – Garcia believes that, more than ever, the team needs to remain focussed in the second period of its matches.
“[It-s] just concentration in the second half, just making sure that we don-t make those mistakes that cost us,” Garcia said.
“[Adelaide have] got a good all round side; they-re in good form and they-re one of the top teams so we-ve got to make sure we match them in every department and get the win and bounce back.
While Garcia wants to continue his goal-scoring form this season -mhis last goal a towering header against Sydney FC on Sunday – he has dedicated his contribution is dedicated to the team.
“I don-t have a set total, I just want to contribute to the team, whether I-m scoring or passing for other guys to score that-s the main thing,” Garcia said.
“The main thing is that we get the results that we want; it-s not about my personal targets it-s more about the team and seeing what we can achieve together as a group.”
