Risdon, much like the rest of Australia’s 26-man squad, went into camp unsure of what to expect from the Dutchman as he sets out to shape the team to his style for FIFA World Cup warm-up matches against Norway and Colombia.
The matches will be van Marwijk’s first games in charge of the Socceroos since taking the mantle on January 25.
The 25-year-old Western Sydney Wanderers defender was a regular contributor under Ange Postecoglou and was pleased to earn a national team recall, but he did admit his trepidation in meeting the man who took the Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup final.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking to meet the new coach,” Risdon said.
“He seems like a great guy. I’m very excited to be in camp with all the boys again and working towards these next two games.
“It's the first camp together with the new coach so everyone is going to want to impress and do well with their first impressions.
“It's going to be a bit competitive this week in training - everyone is going to want to play in these two upcoming games so that will be good for the team; training will be sharp and get us in great shape.”
The former Perth Glory captain has hit the ground running since making the move to Western Sydney and is determined achieve the boyhood dream which has been his primary inspiration this season.
“That feeling when we qualified in Sydney was an amazing feeling and it spurred me on to make sure I'm there in Russia,” the fullback said.
“It's been a big part of getting me through this season - focusing on the end goal.
“Back at the Wanderers, focusing each week, playing well is in the back of my mind knowing that if I do well, hopefully I can get to a World Cup.
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“It's something I've dreamt about as a little kid and to be able to say that you've played at a World Cup will be an awesome achievement and something I want to tick off my list for my career.
“Hopefully I can do all the right things to be there in Russia.”
