Interview With Melissa Barbieri

Jump to Comments

It has been awhile since I was able to bring you an interview. This is my first interview with a Matilda and it is with Melissa Barbieri, the current keeper for the National Team. It is a timely interview given that the Women’s National Team are coming off an successful campaign at the 2007 World Cup in China, reaching the quarter-finals before losing a thrilling, but ultimately heart-breaking, game against Brazil. On the back of that success, a women’s national league could be about to commence with the teams associated with A-League clubs to capitalise on the success of the fledging league.

Thanks Melissa for taking some time out. Good luck for the up and coming 2008 Peace Cup!

PC: What is the biggest strength and weakness of your present game?

Melissa: My biggest strength is my knowledge of the game and communication. My best saves are the ones I don’t have to make myself. I move my players into position and help them help me.

My weakness will always be my height. I was born 168cm and some people say that’s short for a goal keeper, but if a player is good enough to put it into the top corners, then they can have those. Even Schwarzer lets in a few of those and he is over 6 feet.

PC: You took up goalkeeping after you were misdiagnosed with a back injury. What outfield position would you be playing now if this did not occur? Any regrets or was it a blessing in disguise?

Melissa: I would probably be a defender or left sided midfielder. I am left footed so it is usually where I would play. It was a blessing in disguise. I made the national team as an outfield player when I was 16 but I would never had made the team now as a outfield player, our players are just too fit and quick.

PC: You were recently linked to a move to American W-League club, the Boston Renegades. Has there been any progress in relation to this possible move? Is there any chance that you will be playing for one of the new national league clubs that will kick off in spring?

Melissa: I was asked to play in Boston but when they saw the amount of time we needed away with the national, they decided to stick with their keepers for the moment. They are still keeping in touch for possibly next year. I will play in our national league if it gets up and running.

PC: You are also a futsal player and you previously mentioned that this format of the game helps you develop your reflexes and ability to make point-blank saves. As a keeper, what other skills does playing futsal develop?

Melissa: As a keeper, futsal makes you think quicker and it even helps with striking the ball as you have to do it often. It also is a good work out – you sweat heaps!

4 Comments

Filed under Australian Football, Matildas, Women's Football