NZ Threat, Serritslev Stays Firm

Digicel national football head coach, Flemming Serritslev, is least both­ered with the high number of interna­tional friendlies played by New Zealand in preparation for the FIFA World Cup quali­fiers in Qatar in March.

The Fijians are in Group B with the Kiwis, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, the for­mer Danish footballer said they are not handicapped in terms of preparations.

This was after he was asked of his thoughts that New Zealand have set-up their camp in Abu Dhabi and face Jordan in an interna­tional friendly on Saturday.

The All Whites have already played three international friendlies, late last year. They beat Gambia 2-0, Bahrain 1-0 and Curacao 2-1.

“I don’t feel that we are handicapped com­pared to any other teams,” Serritslev said.

“New Zealand have already had three games with two more friendly games this January.

“In terms of games they are ahead of us. On the other hand, we can prepare with our players for a longer period of time.

“New Zealand had to miss (some of) their players since they are playing abroad.”

The national side are to leave for Australia, early next month to play friendly matches against three A-League clubs.

The clubs are Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory and Western United.

Serritslev said they are looking forward to their preparations in Australia.

“We’re in the right direction and we had good preparations especially moving to Aus­tralia for 40 days before heading to Qatar,” he said.

“I believe the condition is more less the same for Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

“I don’t believe they have better conditions than us.

“Maybe they have been playing in their competition for a bit longer but it’s the only difference.”

After playing Jordan, the All Whites face Uzbekistan next Wednesday.

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