Aloisi promises stronger Roar after Finals Series ‘bonus’

Brisbane Roar boss John Aloisi took an optimistic view of a season which began in “disaster” and ended in Elimination Final defeat at AAMI Park.

Having snatched sixth spot a week earlier, Brisbane were thoroughly outplayed in a 2-0 loss away to Melbourne City that cut short their campaign.

Aloisi admitted they didn’t deserve “to even be close” to an upset, although the former Caltex Socceroos striker felt Finals Series involvement alone was a credit to his squad.

STATS: Brisbane Roar’s three-year low in loss to Melbourne City

Roar battled injuries throughout the season and were without Brett Holman and four senior central-defenders on Friday night.

“Anything we got this season after the off-season and the beginning of the season we had was a bonus,” Aloisi said.

“Our pre-season was a disaster, we’ve had to play catch-up ever since and ended up spending too much energy playing that catch-up.

“Really we shouldn’t even be in this position when you look at the amount of injuries and what we’ve had to deal with off the pitch as well.”

Connor O'Toole and Dario Vidosic

Friday’s result marked the first season under Aloisi in which Roar have failed to reach the Semi Finals.

READ: Melbourne City muscle past Brisbane Roar to secure Semi Final spot

However, the 42-year-old is confident the groundwork is being laid for the three-time champions to return to the top.

“At Brisbane Roar we want to win. I want to win. So I’ll go away upset by the season,” he said.

“We now need to prepare and make sure we’re up there challenging next season.

“Those things I’ve talked about off the pitch, we’re getting them right.

“There will be changes in personnel in terms of our players, which is normal.

“We’ll be better next season, 100 per cent we will be better. We already started building toward that five months ago.”