Joe Gauci has been making himself feel welcome and getting to know his new surroundings after his January transfer to Aston Villa.
Emiliano Martinez is the club’s undisputed number one, but behind him, there isn’t anyone really pushing him like fans would like, with Robin Olsen producing mixed performances.
That’s why Joe Gauci was signed from Australian side Adelaide United, with the shot-stopper seriously impressed by his new home.
The 23-year-old was asked what his first impressions are of Aston Villa’s facilities at Bodymoor Heath and his simple response was ‘world-class’, as he told the club’s official YouTube channel.
What was even more impressive from the Australia international is that he feels there are now ‘no excuses’ for him to improve and reach the top levels at the club.
Of course, coming from a lesser league in Australia to the billion-pound machine of England’s top flight is going to be eye-opening – read all about Aston Villa’s incomings and outgoings during the winter transfer window.
And, hopefully, that will allow Joe Gauci to become a key player for Aston Villa in the future, especially with the team now hoping to maintain European football under Unai Emery.
Joe Gauci’s first thoughts on Aston Villa
“World-class,” responded Gauci on his first impressions of Aston Villa’s facilities. “I haven’t seen a facility quite like it.
“There are no excuses here as a professional to not reach your highest level.
“Meeting everyone, meeting all the staff, everyone has been extremely welcoming. It has been fantastic. Everyone has been positive and willing to help you with everything, whether that’s on the field, in the gym, in the physio room, my kit, all the way through to getting accommodation and cars sorted.”
Emiliano Martinez is the best teacher for Joe Gauci
Villa’s number one was a teenager when he first moved to England and joined Arsenal, so he understands what it’s like making such a big move so young in your career.
The road Martinez went down wasn’t easy, it wasn’t until he was in his late 20s that he became a big-name player in the Premier League and then an international for Argentina.
There is no doubt that the 31-year-old is now the world’s number one, and for someone like Gauci, there isn’t a better teacher to learn from.
You would expect, from next season, Gauci will become Villa’s number two and play a back-up role to Martinez in the Premier League and Europe.
