KUALA LUMPUR: KL City centre-back Giancarlo Gallifuoco knows exactly what’s coming when the 2025-2026 M-League season kicks off today — and he’s ready for the challenge.
The 31-year-old Australian believes this campaign will be one of the most demanding yet, truly testing every team’s depth and discipline.
“Every season that I’ve been here, it’s been tough, but this year I think the league is probably going to be one of the strongest,” said Gallifuoco on Episode 62 of Timesport: On the Beat.
“I think there are a lot of good teams, a lot of squads that have improved. The season is a bit longer this year as well, which is going to test clubs.”
The former Australia Under-23 international joined KL City in 2021 and has since made 114 appearances, scoring four goals and providing one assist.
He was a vital part of the side that lifted the Malaysia Cup in 2021, finished runners-up in the 2022 AFC Cup, and narrowly missed out on the FA Cup in 2023.
But after several seasons of competing for silverware, KL are now in transition following a string of high-profile exits and coaching changes.
Still, Gallifuoco isn’t shying away from the grind ahead.
“I’m excited for it. I think we’ve got a good group of players. We’re a bit of a new-look team, so we’ve been finding our feet through the pre-season,” he said.
“The new staff have done an excellent job getting the players to understand the style and how they want to play. That’s been enjoyable to work with, and the players have bought into it.”
He stressed that rebuilding takes time, but he’s hopeful KL City will find their rhythm quickly once the fixtures begin.
“The expectation is always to go out there and give everything for the team. The players are committed to that. Now it’s just about getting into a rhythm and being consistent.”
Gallifuoco also believes KL City’s strength this season may lie not in individual star power, but in the collective identity the squad is building.
“We’ve got a good balance, and it’s about how we go out there and impose ourselves. Some other teams have superstars, but that doesn’t always mean success. Sometimes it’s about who is the best ‘team’, and that’s something we can lean into.”
With the revamped season expected to feature a tighter schedule and stiffer competition, Gallifuoco knows adaptability will be key, especially for a club trying to regain its footing.
“We’re not at the top of the food chain in terms of budget, so we have to do things the right way. I think we’re laying the foundations for a good season.”
KL City will open their Super League campaign on Saturday (Aug 9) against newly promoted Immigration FC.
* This Timesport: On the Beat podcast episode is now available on YouTube, Spotify, Audioplus and Apple Podcast.
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