Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou says Saturday’s match against a desperate Melbourne Heart shapes as an all action affair and an ideal simulation of finals football.
A victory for the Roar will give them virtually an unassailable lead in the race for the premiership, while also taking them past the Australian national league record of 22 undefeated games, currently shared with the NSL’s Apia Leichhardt.
Brisbane’s dominance in 2010-11 has been so pronounced that they now stand poised to equal the Australian record of undefeated matches in any professional football code, which was set by rugby league’s almighty St George Dragons between 1958 and 1960.
But the glory and accolades are of secondary importance to Postecoglou, who knows a single-minded focus on the next match has been the key to their success thus far.
In the Melbourne Heart, the Roar have the perfect opponent to test their finals series credentials.
Riding a streak of six undefeated games themselves and needing to win to stay in the hunt for a place in the top six, the competition newcomers are set to throw everything into the contest.
“There’s a lot riding on it for both clubs, so it’s the kind of game you want heading into a finals series, because it raises the intensity and motivation levels,” said Postecoglou.
“It could be easy to get into a little bit of a rhythm where you’re not really extending yourself, but we’re going to have to play really well on Saturday to knock off a very determined opponent.”
“They’ve got a lot to play for, so that’s good, that’s what you want, that’s what final’s football is all about.”
“It’s good preparation and probably the ideal opponent for us. I don’t think they’ll play for a draw. I think they’ll be a little bit more attacking than Wellington were (on Wednesday), which will allow the game to be a little bit more open and a bit of a better spectacle.”
“(The premiership race) may be over Saturday night, it might be over already, we don’t know. From our point of view, regardless of when we win it, it’s important that we keep playing well and go into the finals full of confidence.”
Postecoglou’s battle-wary attitude has certainly filtered through to his playing group, who, despite thrashing their opponents 4-0 earlier in the season, are sharing their coach’s anticipation of a mighty challenge.
Making his 100th Hyundai A-League appearance, Michael Theoklitos was another in the Brisbane camp anticipating a full-throttle slugfest.
“It’s their grand final – I’m sure they’d say the same thing. Their next three games they have to win, and it’s probably a good thing for us, because we’re quite an attacking team.”
“When teams park the bus it’s harder to break down, but if teams open up and try to score against us, it frees up our players, and that’s the way we like to play. I think it’ll be an entertaining game.”
“It’s a vital game for both teams; hopefully we can wrap up the minor premiership, and for them (a win would) keep their finals hopes alive,” said Theoklitos.
