Suwon: Hong Kong’s Eastern SC travel to Suwon Samsung Bluewings on Wednesday knowing that defeat in Korea Republic could spell the end of their AFC Champions League hopes.
Ahead of the do or die encounter, the-AFC.com caught up with their Australian defender Josh Mitchell, who discussed the AFC Champions League, life in Hong Kong and his experiences as a globetrotting footballer.
You signed for Eastern last year, how much did you know about the club and its history, especially the recent history when coach Chan Yuen-ting made global headlines?
Obviously, I knew a bit about her and the club, mainly because of her achievements and also as the club has had Australian players before. I have had friends who have played in Hong Kong before and done well, so it was nice to know that I was coming to a good club in a good place that are trying to achieve things - and already have with AFC Champions League qualification. So that was enough for me to know and enough for me to want to sign here.
What was it that made you come to Hong Kong?
That’s a good question. I guess it was a bit of everything: the city, the club and the AFC Champions League was obviously a huge factor. The challenge of football in a new culture and city.
Eastern SC earn their first-ever AFC Champions League point
(Laughs) Contrasting is a good way to put it! Obviously, in the first game everything went wrong. The sendings off, playing Guangzhou away – it was a tough match. But we did well to bounce back against Kawasaki [in Matchday Two] and take a point, possibly should have taken all three.
How did you bounce back so positively against Kawasaki?
I think that’s down to the club, the coaching staff. They’re very positive and try and instill a good mentality into the players. They said let’s look forward, what’s done is done. We’ve got league games, cup games, AFC Champions League games, all these games to focus on, so lets forget about the bad performance, bad game in China, and let’s focus on the next challenge.
Your career has taken you around the world including mainland China and Romania, how have you found the experience of playing in so many diverse countries?
I think it’s brilliant, something I’m proud of and something I’ve enjoyed. Each place has been a vastly different experience. It’s helped me to become a better footballer, a better person, a happier person – it’s been good. I’m excited to be here now because it’s probably the easiest place to live of all those places.
What challenges have you encountered in some of these different places?
In Romania, football is very difficult. Clubs are very controlling, they think they own you. In China they treat you very well, you’re looked after but it can be a bit lonely at times. Here in Hong Kong you’re treated well and life outside of football is good too. The food culture and city means you get to enjoy a lot outside of football.
Any interesting stories that have arisen from your experiences overseas?
Yeah, heaps. All sorts of weird things in Romania. Getting pulled over by the police and telling them we play football to get out of a speeding ticket. Many training ground spats that have resulted in a broken nose. China is a whole different world, totally opposite from the Western world.
Was that you who broke your nose or did the breaking?
(Laughs) No it was our goalkeeper who broke the striker’s nose, I think he head-butted him in training.
Do you see yourself ever returning to Australia to play professionally again?
Not really. I feel like I could go, but it isn’t my aim. The A-League is going through some issues now. There are more teams here in Hong Kong’s top league than in the A-League which is amazing. The opportunities aren’t there in the top professional league. I don’t want to go back. You earn less money, you may not play, there are less teams. It all adds up to better experiences in Asia.
At 32-years-old you still have some years left in your career, what’s your plan professionally?
As I said, it’s easy to live here, so my aim is to stay here with Eastern. The coaching staff and vibe is really good. My aim is to stay here for the rest of my career.
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com