Matt Orr hopes to use ‘ruthless’ Shanghai experience to help Hong Kong’s ‘new project’
Striker says stint with Chinese giants Shanghai Port has taken his game to ‘the next level’; hopes to play ‘older-head role’ for city team
After joining mighty Shanghai Port this year, Matt Orr has discovered an “intense and ruthless environment” and a city where “the temptation tests you”.
Hoping to return from the hamstring injuries that have recently dogged him for Hong Kong’s clash with Mongolia on Friday, Orr had been on the verge of renewing terms with Shenzhen Peng City in January when the reigning Chinese Super League champions swooped.
“It was a huge opportunity and I’m super privileged and grateful it came,” Orr said. “I’m trying to establish myself and show I belong there. It’s a big step up … I’ve enjoyed the training level and intensity, and improved my game.”
Transferring from a team that begins seasons aiming to avoid relegation to one that expects to end them top of the pile has heaped “different demands” on the striker.
“With Shenzhen, and when Hong Kong play tougher teams, it’s defence-first and counter-attacking, so your role as a No 9 is to be an outlet and hold up the ball,” Orr said.
“We’re ball dominant, and expect to win every game, so as a striker you have to perform and score goals. There’s definitely pressure, and it’s much more ruthless, but that’s an environment I thrive in. The manager [Kevin Muscat] has high standards. I have a good relationship with him and he really pushes me, which I enjoy.