Football: 'Never in 100 years' - Usain Bolt slammed by rival manager

Central Coast Mariners player Usain Bolt in an A-League trial match. Photo / Photosport

Usain Bolt will watch from the sidelines as the Central Coast Mariners begin their A-League campaign this weekend — and that's where he belongs according to a rival coach.

Western Sydney Wanderers manager Markus Babbel has delivered a scathing review of Bolt's ability as a footballer in an interview with Swiss newspaper Blick.

Bolt has brought unprecedented global attention to the Australian domestic competition as he attempts to go from athletics legend to professional footballer but it's a fool's errand in Babbel's eyes.

"As a PR action it is sensational," Babbel told Blick. "The A-League receives much attention from him. But, honestly, I cannot take that seriously.

"I saw him play. For all that love, that's not enough in 100 years."

[Watch: Usain Bolt scores first goal for the Central Coast Mariners in A-League trial]

His celebrated triallist won't be playing, but Central Coast coach Mike Mulvey acknowledges more eyes than usual will be watching the Mariners when they start their A-League season at bogey club Brisbane on Sunday.

"I don't think there's added (external) pressure, there is the pressure that you put on yourself," Mulvey said.

"The eyes of the world be on us and I'll have my eye on as well, to see whether we cope with it.

"We've got some seasoned pros there who will help the younger players as well, so hopefully we can settle into a rhythm pretty early and play some good football, defend like our lives depend on it and attack with real intent."

Mulvey was spotted talking for a while to Bolt on Thursday, but the coach said he also spoke to several other players.

He wasn't concerned Bolt had rejected a reported offer to play in Malta and that the suggestion the Jamaican would be leaving the Mariners had been put to rest for the time being.

"I don't think anything needs to be put to rest, we've covered that ad nauseam in the lead-up, from when he was here to the game last week," Mulvey said.

Brisbane have won 10 and drawn two of their past 12 games against the Mariners, but Mulvey stressed his revamped club was looking forward not back.

With over 15 new players at the club, Mulvey said it could take six to seven games to establish his best starting line-up.

He felt former Roar star and new Mariners recruit Tommy Oar would be able to handle any potential negativity from the Brisbane fans.

"Tommy has played in Cyprus recently, whatever happens in Brisbane will be a cakewalk as far as what you actually receive over there in terms of the vitriol from the opposition, but also the expectations from the home fans," Mulvey said.