North Queensland coach Franz Straka believes that some of his players’ minds were not focused on the task at hand during their 4-0 loss to Gold Coast United at Skilled Park on Friday night.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of North Queensland has been well documented and Straka said that some of his men were not concentrating on the task at hand, as the hapless Fury were toyed with by Gold Coast.
Straka fired a broadside at his team for not showing the desire and ‘heart’ that has become a hallmark in their two years in the A-League.
“I’m very annoyed with some players – I think they may be thinking too much about their new clubs. If we survive I’m sure I’ll build a strong team only with the guys who have desire,” he said.
Fury utility Simon Storey admitted that the club’s off-field crisis continues to play on the minds of the team.
“We’re not going to deny that (it plays on our minds) but every week we still have to go out there and do our best,” Storey said.
“Like we’ve said all along, you’re either focusing on a career at North Queensland Fury next season or you’re putting yourself on show for other clubs, so we’re all doing the best we can. It’s up to the boys to take their chances.”
Straka said that there was a big gulf in quality between Fury and United, and the hosts took advantage of mistakes made by an inexperienced North Queensland side.
With finals out of the picture for the Fury, Straka has stacked his side with youth and gave 90 minutes to defender Lorenzo Sipi, who impressed.
“We didn’t start too badly but we made two mistakes in the centre of defence and the game was over. We had some good possibilities to score – if Panny Nikas made it 1-1 things might have been different,” Straka said.
“But we make no excuses – they were a better team with quality and experience. We’re giving a chance to young players and Lorenzo Sipi did very well today. It was a difficult game but he did very well.”
