New Redlands United recruit Nico Bechar believes the bayside club’s attacking style will lift his game to another level this season in the National Premier Leagues Queensland.

Bechar, who originally hails from France, was a fan favourite on the left wing at Sunshine Coast Fire in recent seasons and won silverware with the club in the old Queensland State League competition.

However, with the Fire having filled their quota of two foreign players in their squad for the 2014 season, Bechar opted for a southern sea-change with the Devils, coached by Matt Chandler.

He played his first game for the club on Saturday, providing attacking impetus on the left wing as Redlands drew 1-1 with fellow NPL Queensland side Palm Beach Sharks in the Macron Cup pre-season tournament at Redcliffe.

Speaking after the match, Bechar said he was enjoying his new lease on life at Redlands.

“I spoke to Matt Chandler and I really liked the project this year,” the heavily accented Bechar explained.

“This year I’m quite happy to play for this club. There is some good players and I hope we can do good.”

Bechar explained that Redland’s attacking brand of football suited his game.

“I press high so I can get the ball early. We just played defence last year (at Fire), and I didn’t really enjoy (it),” he said.

Chandler agreed that Bechar would further complement the core of a side that finished in fifth place last season, just missing out on finals football.

“I believe his style of football and the way he likes to play the game is very aligned to the way I and the club go about it,” Chandler explained.

“For me it’s his professionalism and he fits into our team culture that we want to recreate from last year and the year before.”

“We try to play a lot of front third football and we try to move the ball and, the people he has around him, he’ll complement them and they’ll complement him.”

The switch to Redlands meant Bechar had to move from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane, but he explained the transition had been helped by family and friends.

“I live in Brisbane now. I left Sunny Coast around October and I have a lot of friends in Brisbane because my uncle lives in Brisbane, so it’s easier for me.”

Bechar was one of several NPL Queensland players who trialled with Brisbane Roar last season.

“I trained (with Roar) for two weeks. The first week was really hard because it’s not the same level and we train every day.”

“The second week I did it well, I think, but just not enough,” he conceded.

However, Bechar said he was hoping for another stand-out season this year and was hoping his performances earned him another shot at the A-League.

“I do my best every weekend and I do my best every training for a chance like that. If I get another one, I don’t want to miss it.”

Despite his time with Fire, and now Redlands, Bechar admitted his first love remained Paris St Germain in the French Ligue 1, a team he has supported since he was a child.

“I love to watch Paris St Germain, and I hope they win the Champions Leagues, but it’s a dream for now,” he said.

Bechar and his new Redlands teammates will continue their pre-season preparations in the Macron Cup tournament in Redcliffe next week against Brisbane Strikers at AJ Kelly Park.

 

Words & Image: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)