Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou has praised his player’s work ethic over the pre-season and is looking forward to the 2010-11 Hyundai A-League season with the first round just a fortnight away.
A grueling pre-season that began in April sees the Roar squad ready for this year’s finals push fitter than they have been in years.
The rigorous fitness program combined with a promising 2-1 friendly loss to English Premier League side Everton last week has optimism in Brisbane high.
“The signs have been fairly positive. We are in very good physical condition which is the number one priority in a good pre-season. In terms of our movement and shape, throughout every game the signs have been good,” Postecoglou said.
“We have one game to go and then two weeks to freshen up the players, so I think it’s been a good pre-season.”
Brisbane’s final pre-season hit-out is on Sunday when it takes on the Newcastle Jets in Port Macquarie and Postecoglou is looking forward to it.
“We need to work on some little things still. It’s our last serious hit-out so it’s a good chance for us to work on some final things and get some game time into a couple of players,” Postecoglou said.
“Massimo Murdocca will be back and Milan Susak hasn’t played a lot either. We really want as many of the boys in good condition leading into the first game.”
Brisbane’s pre-season has seen it travel far and wide with Toowoomba, Gympie and Ipswich all getting a glimpse at the Roar stars.
Sunday’s game is in New South Wales but Postecoglou hopes he can win over some more fans.
“Wherever we go we solidify the brand and we get people to take an interest in us. Every opportunity is a chance to promote Brisbane and certainly we will be taking that opportunity”.
Sunday’s game against the Jets kicks off at 2pm and the Roar are expected to field a strong side including fringe Qantas Socceroos Shane Stefanutto, Matt McKay and Mitch Nichols.
