Melbourne City goalkeeper Patrick Beach admits he’s doing his best to block out the noise surrounding his future after landing back in Australia following the Socceroos’ World Cup exit.
A shock pick for the opening group stage win over Türkiye, Beach went on to start all four of the Socceroo’s World Cup fixtures in North America before their campaign came to an end at the hands of Egypt on penalties in the Round of 32.
The 22-year-old subsequently earned plenty of plaudits following a series of assured performances, so much so the Melbourne City custodian is being linked with a switch to Europe.
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“I’ve still got another two years at Melbourne City, so I can tell you that,” said Beach when asked about his future after landing back in Australia.
“Anything else that’s been happening, I’ll let my manager deal with that.
He added: “Like I said previously, there’s interest, of course, but that’s normal for every player.”
Despite pulling off an incredible save late in the game to deny Egypt what would have been a certain winner Beach was substituted by Head Coach Tony Popovic ahead of the penalty shootout in favour of captain Maty Ryan.
Despite the frustration of being substituted late on though, Beach says he has no issue with the decision.
“No, no, there was no need for a chat in regards to any of that,” said Beach when asked whether he’d sought an explanation from Popovic.
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“He’s the coach, he makes the call, and as players, we respect him and respect his decisions, and that’s that.
He went on to say: “I mean, I definitely enjoy it more on the field, but, like I said, the call was made from the boss, and I had to sit on the sidelines and support the boys that way, and do my part from the sidelines, then I was happy to do it that way.”
A regular performer in the Isuzu UTE A-League, Beach’s performances will come as no surprise to Melbourne City and Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar, who handed the 22-year-old his league debut ahead of the 2024-25 season; a campaign which ultimately ended in City lifting the Championship, with Beach playing a key role.
“I always have confidence in myself, and I’m a confident guy, and I always back my ability and know my role and what I have to do to help the team.
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Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach
“So I always have confidence and trust in myself to do the job.
“But, of course, you know, playing at a World Cup, and in big stadiums like that, in and around millions of fans around the world, it’s always another step up, but I’m very happy and proud on how I performed.”
The Socceroos now face Brazil in a two-game series in Queensland in September, with Beach hoping he’s done enough to prove to Popovic he’s now the Socceroos new number one, especially ahead of the AFC Asian Cup in January 2027.
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“Yeah, absolutely. I think that’s where the full focus needs to go now,” said Beach, when asked about the tournament.
“It’s a pretty young group, you know, a lot of boys and a lot of talent in this group with a lot of hard work that’s been put into play and you’re seeing the sort of results now.
“I think we’ve got a camp coming up in a couple of months that we take on Brazil, which will be exciting, that we’re definitely looking forward to, and then yeah, we’ll focus on the January in the Asian Cup and try and do something special there.:
