Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi is confident of making an impact in the Hyundai A-League Finals Series despite Saturday night’s underwhelming 3-1 defeat to Perth Glory.
The visitors had chances to take the lead after Brett Holman’s second half equaliser but Perth survived and took control in the final half hour at nib Stadium.
Glory book top-six spot after downing Roar
Aloisi defended his decision to leave veterans Thomas Broich, Thomas Kristensen and Avraam Papadopoulos in Brisbane with a view to Wednesday night’s AFC Champions League match against Kashima Antlers.
“We have to make sure when we do get to the finals that we’re as fresh as possible,” Aloisi said.
“We want to go into the finals feeling at the top of our game and we know if we do we can give it a real shake.
“We’re confident when we have all our players back and we’re at full strength we can beat anyone.”
Saturday night’s defeat was Roar’s second in four matches against Glory in all competitions this term, although Aloisi isn’t concerned by the prospect of a potential Elimination Final rematch.
“You learn from every game. If we do make the top four and we meet Perth [it will most likely be] at home so it will be a different game again,” he said.
“In saying that, we know what Perth are like. We’ve met them quite a few times this season.
“I wasn’t completely happy with the performance but in terms of chances created that’s more than you normally get away from home.”
