Gersbach hunts for historic double in Norway

Australia defender Alex Gersbach is aiming to make history in Norway with his Rosenborg side in contention for back-to-back league and cup doubles.

Gersbach

Alex Gersbach has had a strong season with Rosenborg Source: RBK web

Having played the full 90 minutes over the weekend as the defending champions clinched the Tippeligaen title with five rounds remaining, the 19-year-old former Sydney FC flier has turned his attention to October 26's cup semi-final against Boda as Rosenborg bids to win successive domestic doubles for the first time.

It is set to be a busy month for Gersbach with 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia on October 6 in Jeddah and a showdown with perennial rivals Japan in Melbourne, five days later, also on the talented defender's schedule.

Gersbach continues to push Bournemouth’s Brad Smith for a starting spot with the green and gold after being named in Ange Postecoglou's squad for the upcoming qualifiers.
Speaking after the 3-1 wins over arch rivals Molde which secured the title with a 19-point buffer at the top, Gersbach said: "Who knows? maybe it will be even more of a gap by the end of the season."

"Our focus now is the cup and trying to make a bit of history for the club."

Gersbach has racked up 20 appearances in all competitions since making the move to Norway at the end of January.

"There's a lot of desire and determination to do that, so there’s no way we will lose any motivation in the coming weeks," he said.

"We all want to achieve something special here. We are expected to win the semi against Boda, and if we do that the final is on November 20."

While locked in a Socceroos fight with Smith, two-cap Gersbach has at the same time forged a close relationship with the former Liverpool youngster, with both committed to a common cause.

"I have to make sure that I am always ready and when I do get the chance then I take it," he said.

"Brad's doing a good job with the national team. He played well against UAE and set up our winning goal for Tim Cahill.

"We will both just keep working hard and pushing each other. We are really good mates actually.

"I always seem to be good mates with the other left-back wherever I am.

"We don’t pick the team, Ange does, and we just have to make sure we’re match-ready every time."

Gersbach believes Australia are poised to continue their winning start in the final stretch on the road to Russia.

"I am looking forward to getting into camp next week and we know how hard it will be against Saudi Arabia and then Japan, but after beating Iraq and UAE we are really feeling confident.

"We fought hard in UAE in really challenging conditions to get the three points and we are now expected to win in Saudi Arabia ...anything less and we will probably be disappointed.

"We are gelling really well as a squad on and off the field. Everybody is playing their part – and the boys that played against UAE in Abu Dhabi did an amazing job.

"It was ridiculously hot. I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes and I haven't sweatd so much in my life, and I can only imagine what it would have been like to play in that."
Gersbach is also aiming to get a mini monkey off his back during the remainder of the campaign as he hunts his first goal for the club.

"I am actually the only player in the squad who hasn’t scored a goal this season," he said.

"I have been a bit selfish lately by shooting when I probably should have passed the ball.

"I am pretty keen to score and avoid the end of season nudie run!" 


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4 min read
Published 28 September 2016 12:26pm
Updated 28 September 2016 8:32pm
By Dave Lewis


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