All Whites captain Winston Reid feeling relaxed ahead of World Cup playoff against Peru

  • 10/11/2017

All Whites skipper Winston Reid is feeling relaxed as he prepares to lead New Zealand to face South American heavyweights Peru in tomorrow's World Cup showdown in Wellington.

The match is the first of two legs with the winner advancing through to the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Reid fronted the media in the capital on Friday, alongside striker Chris Wood and coach Antony Hudson, the skipper is not feeling the pressure ahead of the biggest game for New Zealand in four years. 

"I'm looking forward to it especially since it has been a long time since I've been back playing in New Zealand so I've really wanted to stay fit and make the trip down," said Reid.

"I'm here now, the team is fit and like Anthony [Hudson] said we have prepared the best way possible. We haven't left a stone unturned.

"I would be more nervous if we didn’t prepare right or if we hadn't been doing the thing we have been working hard at.

"There is so much at stake for two games. Our World Cup cycling depends on these two games so I think come tomorrow you will see a steam that is ready, well prepared and we will give them a good game."

Reid scored for the All Whites against Slovakia at the 2010 World Cup squad in South Africa. 

Reid scored for the All Whites against Slovakia at the 2010 World Cup squad in South Africa.
Reid scored for the All Whites against Slovakia at the 2010 World Cup squad in South Africa. Photo credit: Photosport

Back then, Reid was one of the youngsters in the squad, but a seven-year stint in the English Premier League with West Ham has left the former Denmark under 21 representative as a crucial component to New Zealand's qualification fortunes.

The 30-year-old said he isn't going to change the way he leads the side despite the pressure of the situation.

"I don't think I'll lead in a different way than I've done before.

"I think we all know it’s a game that is going to be played over two legs there are going to be moments where we have the upper hand, then the other team will have the upper hand.

"It is about managing those situations and try steer the ship through the waters but I'm not going to change the way I am or anything I'm going to try put myself in situations that will benefit the team."

When Reid was en-route back to New Zealand, his club side manager sacked Slaven Bilic and hired former Manchester United manager, David Moyes.

Reid insists that he isn’t trying to worry about that because there are bigger things on his plate at the moment.

"I spoke with the previous manager briefly and I delt with that quickly and put that to one side.

"I'm here to focus on this because it is so important. I'll put all my time and energy into this week and ill deal with the rest of it when I get back."

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