Le Fondre backing himself 'no matter what'

Leading the way in the Golden Boot race with 11 goals in 12 games, Adam le Fondre is brimming with confidence as the Hyundai A-League nears the halfway mark. 

The former English Premier League marksman arrived on Australian shores with some serious pedigree, having played in England’s topflight with Reading as well as in the Championship with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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Le Fondre


After scoring a screamer in Sydney FC’s 3-1 loss to Perth Glory, Le Fondre has two more goals than his nearest competitor, Brisbane Roar’s Adam Taggart, but insists the goals are merely supplementary to his main aim — to win games for Sydney FC. 

“(The goal against Perth) didn’t really mean anything,” said Le Fondre.

“It’s a nice goal to score but I’ve always said I’d prefer to score a tap-in (and the team win) than a 30-yarder, 20-yarder or whatever.

“A goal’s a goal, I’m obviously pleased to score it, but ultimately the result didn’t go our way.”

Considering the change in surroundings, one would expect Le Fondre — and any player for that matter — to take time in adjusting. 

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Yet, the Englishman hit the ground running, banging in goals during preseason and treating die-hard fans to a taste of what was to come in the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season.

“Not particularly (surprised about my form),” said Le Fondre. 

“The start I had in preseason with the boys, the way the boys and the whole club have accepted me, made me feel welcome and brought me into how the team plays — it obviously suits the way I play.

“I envisaged myself doing really well here, I’m just happy that it’s actually happening how I’d planned to see it.”

All in a day’s work

While Christmas may be in December, the true festivities for Australian football fans began two days later with the Summer of Heroes. 

The festival showcases 45 games over 28 days across the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League, giving fans ample opportunities to get out there and support their local players. 

That Sydney FC will have played three games in less than two weeks, including a long trip to Perth, is water over a duck’s back for Le Fondre who is used to a hectic English schedule. 

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“Obviously January here is a busy month,” said Le Fondre.

“January and December in England (too) — well, to be fair, any month in England is a busy month because you’ve got three games a week and you work through that.

“You don’t really train, you just play. 

“Like I said, I’m really enjoying playing, I’m looking forward to every game as it comes and I’m sure the boys are as well. 

“Collectively we want to put the result back from the Perth performance and build back to get the points we’ve dropped.”

Le Fondre
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This article was originally published on the Hyundai A-League website.
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