Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson is putting thoughts of making the Socceroos World Cup squad on hold. The all-time A-League leading goalscorer believes he has been focusing too much on performing well to try and impress national team coach Pim Verbeek rather than enjoying his football and playing for his teammates.
Thompson netted his first goal for the season against North Queensland Fury on Saturday evening but says before that he was putting too much pressure on himself.
"I think it was just, personally, I was putting too much pressure on myself, I felt. Instead of going out there and enjoying myself like I usually do, I was caught up in the World Cup hype and everything like that and I forgot about the smile on the face," he said.
"I know when I'm playing good when I do have a smile on my face. I was just happy to get one in the back of the net and hopefully that will start my season off.
"I think my wife checked me, body-checked me in the hallway at home. Said 'snap out of it'. I've just been concentrating too much on the things that are in the future and I have no control over. I have to worry about the present, and that's what I'm trying to do. It's about getting back to enjoying football," he added.
"You like to start off well. I haven't had that many opportunities the first two games, and suddenly, the floodgates opened and I'm happy to have one."
Thompson will be looking to add to his tally and help the Victory to a win over Perth Glory at Members Equity Stadium this Friday night although he is not a huge fan of the trip to Western Australia.
"I've always hated travelling to Perth. Back in the NSL days I hated travelling there. We've got a good enough squad to go over there and compete well. It's a long trip, it's daunting, the weather can be a factor," Thompson said.
"I think I've got one goal over there, that's the reason why I don't like going there. It was good to get the score on the weekend and after you get one, the confidence starts to come back and it's a little bit easier."
