Central Coast coach Paul Okon is looking forward to his first home match in charge of the Mariners and has promised a strong performance from his side in Gosford.
Speaking at Central Coast Stadium after the club’s final session ahead of their first home match of the season against Brisbane Roar, Okon wants to create an environment that away teams fear.
“I hope to see a wall of yellow,” Okon said. “Whether that be shirts or scarves and a little bit of noise we want this place to be as intimidating as possible because it’s important when you play at home that oppositions teams travel here and feel as uncomfortable as possible.
“So hopefully that’s the scenario we create at Central Coast Stadium and we are really looking forward to playing here tomorrow,” Okon said.
When asked about Brisbane, Okon identified their experienced and dangerous run of players.
“Brisbane are a very good footballing side, if you give them space they will pass through you, they’ve got speed, they’ve got experienced players like Brett Holman who finds pockets of space and can score goals from inside or outside the box,” Okon said.
“They have threats everywhere and I guess it’s up to us to not lose the ball in dangerous areas and don’t make silly mistakes.”
After a strong week on the training track Fabio Ferreira is set to make his first appearance of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season and Paolo says he isn’t the only one happy to welcome him back.
“I think the whole playing group and all the supporters will be happy to see Fabio Ferreira back,” Okon said. “Fab’s an important player in our squad but Trent’s done a great job so whether Trent starts or Fab starts, as a coach you want to have those luxuries.
“If Fab does start I assume he won’t be able to play the whole game given his fitness and we want to protect him a little bit so maybe we will pass the baton to Trent for the last 30, if you’re a left full back in the last 30 minutes you don’t want Trent running at you with that sort of speed,” Okon said.
Match Details
Hyundai A-League 2016/17 – Round 3
Saturday 22 October 2016
Central Coast Mariners vs. Brisbane Roar
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
kick-off: 5:35pm (AEDT)
Official hash-tags: #CCMvBRI & #CCMFC
TV Broadcast: Fox Sports 505
Radio Broadcast: 96.3 Coast FM
