Michael Valkanis believes Brisbane Roar are “moving in the right direction” following their pre-season draw against reigning Isuzu UTE A-League premiers Auckland FC as he also highlighted an “important” aspect for the club.
A full house was in attendance for Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Auckland at Imperial Corp Stadium in Newmarket.
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New signings Michael Ruhs and Justin Vidic were on target for Roar, who are ushering in a new era under new head coach and former Ajax and Greece assistant Valkanis in 2025-26, while Jesse Randall and Liam Gillion struck for the visiting Black Knights.
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“I was pretty pleased with that performance. We knew we were coming up against the benchmark of last season’s Championship and probably one of the best teams,” Valkanis told Roar media.
“It was always going to be a challenge and a test for us because it’s still very early on in pre-season. A lot of new faces, a lot of young guys. Just to mould that and bring that together.
“I was happy with some good things we’ve been working on and some of the things that came off. We’re in a good stead and moving in the right direction.
“I was really pleased with their mindset, their aggressiveness to want to be intense, win the ball, play football and attacking football.
“Overall, we keep working. We have plenty of time ahead of us to keep at it and keep working.”
Recruits Dean Bouzanis, Milorad Stajic and James McGarry were also in the starting XI for the fixture in Newmarket, where the local community was out in force to support the three-time Isuzu UTE A-League champions.
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Valkanis added: “That’s a bigger buzz for me. You go to the sideline now and everyone wants to give you a high-five and they’re happy. They’re loving it.
“One of the things I wanted when I came here is we bring everyone back to Suncorp, we bring the Roar back into Brisbane. We’re taking steps towards that. That’s what is really important.
“I know it has a lot to do with us performing and having that intensity, excitement and energy that supporters appreciate. At the same time, supporters coming out and allowing us to connect and engage with them helps us a lot to because I want my players to feel who they’re playing for.
“I want them to understand there’s a lot of Roar supporters out there who love the game and love the Roar.
“No matter what, memories of the past remain dormant and we have to bring those out. We have to bring those out with good performances, with energy, drive and with passion. That’s what they showed (against Auckland).”
