Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Mitch Langerak made a winning return to life in the Isuzu UTE A-League, keeping a clean sheet as his side defeated rivals Sydney FC 2-0 in the Big Blue.
Despite the excellent recent form of goalkeeper Jack Duncan, the eight-time Subway Socceroos shot-stopper was handed a start for Friday’s blockbuster clash at AAMI Park and he certainly justified his selection.
“I’m so happy to be back out there playing and be amongst the group,” said the former Borussia Dortmund and Nagoya Grampus keeper.
“It’s a fantastic group of boys and the mentality tonight was fantastic. I think that was the difference tonight for us, was having a strong mentality and wanting to win at all costs.”
Now 36, Langerak returned to the club earlier this month having spent more than a decade overseas in a career that’s most recently seen him play seven years in Japan with Nagoya Grampus in the J1 League, where he broke all kinds of records and captained the team in 2024.
“I’ve been watching as much as I can and particularly over the last couple of years,” said Langerak when asked if he’s been keeping tabs on the Isuzu UTE A-League during his time away.
“The time zone has been very friendly for me, so I’ve been watching most games, particularly the Victory games.
He went on to say: “Yeah, I haven’t played for six weeks, coming off a long season. However, coming out there, I felt good. The pace was very fast, very, very fast. I was looking for a break and play, looking for for an injury or a throw in. But both teams were really pushing. And I think it was a fantastic game football for the supporters.”
Cutting a calm and assured figured from the first minute, Langerak made several key stops in both halves to keep the league’s top scorers at bay in a performance that no doubt justified his head coach’s decision to pick him.
“He’s been fantastic and not only is he a great goalkeeper, he’s a great guy as well,” said the shotstopper when discussing teammate Duncan.
“So I’m very happy to be able to work with him and to train with him every day. Look in every squad there’s a battle for positions, and our position is no different to the strikers to the midfielders.
He added: “This is professional football at the highest level. And he (Duncan) knows that. I know that all the other players know that this is how it is in every position. So we we try to do our best, and whoever the coach decides, you know that’s what we’ll go with.”
