Bulletproof Bilic Buzzing to Go

If there’s one thing noticeable about Sydney United 58’s long serving stalwart and slickster Matthew Bilic its his will and determination to keep active with a smile on his face during this time of self-isolation.

Gone are the days of his flowing long locks keeping his new style short and neat, the electronic music fanatic has been crazily pushing himself to the limit during football lockdown.

The 26-year-old has used this period to get his knee back to its best after slightly injuring it prior to the game being called to a halt temporarily.

“I’m personally doing well; I’ve basically been at home for the past three weeks with my parents and sister which is nice having more time with family.

“I incurred a slight knee injury just before football lockdown, so I’ve been using the time to build strength and fitness and getting back to 100%.

“When I’m not training or working, it’s a lot of home-made meals and time with my family.

“Netflix has also been getting a decent workout.”

Bilic has been working hard in keeping his body in shape.

Anyone that is friends with the United star on social media have been kept updated with his strenuous fitness regime.

Likened to the training from the famous Karate Kid series led by Mr Miyagi (see video clips below), Bilic has adopted the role of ‘Daniel Son’ with the core training he has put together keeping him fit and active.

“Having no gym to attend to or training with my team at Sydney United has been a challenge.

“Having limited equipment at home to use and especially with the lingering uncertainty of our return to playing has been a challenge but something I have accepted and adapted to with various methods and techniques.

“The injury has also been somewhat limiting but is progressing well which is why I have focused primarily on core stuff.

“I get my training in most mornings in my garage with body weight only exercises. I also have a park nearby in Chipping Norton where I live and that’s where I get my runs in.”

Work wise, away from no football, Bilic has been fortunate that his job as an accountant has continued albeit working from home like much of the globe have grown accustomed to during COVID-19.

“My job as an accountant/insolvency professional has meant work has been steady and expected to increase.

“I only work from home at the moment which is also taking some adjusting to – it has its pros and cons.

“Overall, I’m grateful to still be working given the current economic climate.”

Playing for a club like Sydney United 58 coached by club legend Zeljko Kalac is a big thing for any player, especial for this young proud Australian-Croat.

The main part missing in Bilic’s life without football has been the pleasure and enjoyment playing in front of their passionate fans especially at their spiritual home ground, namely the Sydney United Sports Centre at Edensor Park.

“The thing I miss the most is my team and playing in front of our fantastic fans.

“I cannot wait for this all to pass and I am so grateful to be a part of a great club like Sydney United.

“It’s difficult and it’s frustrating that we are unable to play with restrictions in place and I hope they are over sooner rather than later.

“I think it’s important that we stay safe, reconnect and be with our loved ones with the extra time we have, and be supportive of each other through this challenging time.

“Doing so will bring us closer to playing our game we all love and us playing in front of our beloved fans.”