Mickael Tavares is having no trouble adapting to life at Gosford Park.
The holding-midfielder signed with the Central Coast Mariners in April, joining close confidant Jacques Faty in a move from Sydney FC.
Speaking to the media after his first training session with Tony Walmsley’s outfit earlier today, the 33-year-old praised the positivity among the squad after some tough times.
“You could see they have some young players [with potential]…so that’s why we came here, because the coach’s objective was very interesting,” said Tavares.
“Even in our first session I can see there’s a lot of quality…hopefully we’re going to bring the experience and make a good mix between the young and older players.”
READ MORE: Jacques Faty: My job is to lead at the Mariners
After the disaster that was 2015-16 for the Mariners, Tavares and his fellow arrival from the Sky Blues have clear goals in mind at Gosford.
“I came here with the objective to make the playoff [finals] first of all and we are going to work hard for it,” he said.
“I want to make [this] a great season and do the same as we did when we arrived at Sydney FC.”
The Senegalese import also spoke of the differences in environments he is now experiencing, now finding his work a bit more relaxing on the coast.
“In Sydney you can feel a little bit more pressure, it’s a big city,” said Tavares
“[Here] everybody is more friendly, it is more like a family…but we still want to achieve a good season.”
The defender also addressed the buzz that surrounded his signing, with many Central Coast fans noting his resemblance to fellow Frenchman Nicolas Anelka.
“Even in France everybody told me I look like him…so I start to believe it’s true.”
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