Mitchell Langerak has come along way from his days at Bundaberg Waves, to a place where dreams are quickly becoming reality.
Mitchell Langerak has come along way from his days at Bundaberg Waves, to a place where dreams are quickly becoming reality.
His tall stature and ability to move around the box makes him one of Australia-s most promising young goalkeepers.
Langerak comes across relaxed about all that he has achieved and with a work rate like no other, the potential this young man possesses is second to none.
When we meet at Olympic Park Stadium, Langerak gave an insight into how he applied himself to getting where he is, while making the transformation into playing professional football.
When did you realise you could make it as a professional and how did it feel when you signed with Victory?
When I was younger I trained hard and did the little things that may have not mattered at the time, but I soon realised that all the hard work paid off when I signed with Melbourne Victory. It was great to sign with the biggest club in the country. They really look after me around here and things couldn-t be better.
How did you get into football?
I played a lot of sport as a kid with my mates, but naturally I played for one team and then made another team, it was like a domino effect and things just came together.
What advice would you give to any aspiring goalkeepers?
Work hard. You won-t make it far if you don-t put in the hard yards. A good support network is always helpful too. I had great support from my goalkeeping coach who helped me with all the technical aspects of the game.
What-s the best advice you-ve received and who-s been the biggest influence in your career?
I was always told to work hard, enjoy what I-m doing and never take anything for granted. My biggest Influence is John Gousa. He was able to give me the best advice and steer me in the right direction. I owe a lot to him.
Who do you rate as the world-s best goalkeeper?
I love watching Iker Cassilas. He-s an exciting keeper to watch as well as (Gianluigi) Buffon. But I enjoy watching all ‘keepers from around the world as they all carry different styles and attributes. In saying that, I strive to implement different aspects of each ‘keeper into my own game, so that I can strengthen my game.
How often do you train and how do you prepare before a game?
We train everyday, some days we train twice, which consists of being out on the pitch in the morning and hitting the gym in the afternoon. Heading up to a game we will tend to focus on the other team and the coaching staff will find ways to counter their tactics. Our preparation out on the training ground will usually lead to the way the coach wants us to shape for the weekend.
What-s it like working with Michael Theoklitos and Steve Mautone?
It-s fantastic. Michael has been the best goalkeeper in the Hyundai A-League for the past two seasons, and being around someone with such confidence and ability is a bonus. As for Steve, he has an abundance of experience, which ranges to the other side of the world and with that knowledge he-s great to work with. I just have two great goalkeepers to train with and learn from on a day-to-day basis.
What-s the best moment of your career so far?
My debut against Sydney FC at Aussie Stadium definitely tops the cake. I was quite nervous going into that game, but I-m glad it worked out.
Who-s the biggest joker in the dressing room?
(Kevin) Muscat, Michael Theoklitos and Tom Pondeljak take out the award for being the funniest boys in the changing rooms. All of the boys love having a laugh it-s just a great changing room to be around.
What-s your nickname?
Got a few flying around at the minute – Mitcho, Wingspan, Langers, Lurch – the list is too long.
Describe yourself in five words?
Relaxed, articulate, determined, open and definitely good looking (laughs).
