New signings Matti Steinmann and Nikola Mileusnić trained for the first time in Brisbane Roar colours on Wednesday as the A-League side’s pre-season formally commenced.
Members of the squad assembled at the Gold Coast Sports Precinct after receiving dispensation to train in line with the Queensland Government’s exemption for professional sport.
Strict COVID Safe conditions were in place including temperature checks and a requirement for all players, staff and their household family members to have submitted negative COVID-19 tests.
With more players to return over the coming days, the initial group had a light session as the new boys got to know their team-mates.
“It’s been good to come out and meet everyone and put faces to names,” said Mileusnić, who signed for the Roar in June after spending a season in Denmark with Randers.
“We’re still missing a few boys, so I’m looking forward to meeting the whole squad and getting out there with all the boys.
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“I haven’t seen the sun in 18 months, so it’s nice to see the sun out. The Gold Coast is beautiful and Brisbane is really nice. I have a bit of family in Brisbane, which is nice.
“It’s definitely good to be back in Australia and around the Australian culture.”
German midfielder Steinmann travelled from Hamburg to Brisbane via Sydney and completed his quarantine period earlier this week.
“It was tough, 14 days in a room by yourself without fresh air. Just absolutely happy to be here right now with the team,” Steinmann said.
“It was probably 30 hours [to reach Australia] via Tokyo. Then I came to Sydney, spent my quarantine in Sydney, before coming up to Brisbane. I’m just happy to be here now and to get started.
“Especially for the foreigners coming, there’s enough time to settle in [with the longer A-League pre-season].
“It was the same thing in Wellington two years ago. It gives the players time to settle in, get to know each other and be ready for the season.”
