No gimmicks, no trash talk, just the best two sides in the Hyundai A-League going all out for the win. That is how Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou wants the Grand Final to be billed.
This is how Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou wants the almost sold out Grand Final between his side and the Central Coast Mariners to be billed.
At the FFA organised Grand Final pre-match media conference, Postecoglou went to lengths to keep proceedings cordial, neatly evading sticky questions and always striving to promote the game solely on the merits of the football on offer.
“There’s a massive, massive game for us tomorrow. That’s all I’m concerned about,” he said.
“We don’t need to trash talk. We’ve sold out the stadium, we’re both good sides. To me, it’s the two best teams in the final. What else do you want?”
“It’s good to talk it up and get some interest, but we’ve sold it out now. It’s the best two teams playing in the biggest game of the year in front of a sell-out, and it’ll go worldwide. “
“I have no doubt it’ll be a quality game, as every other game against the Mariners we’ve played has been.”
“May the best team win, and obviously we hope it’s us.”
Both Postecoglou and Mariners coach Graham Arnold agreed that the finals series had delivered the competition’s best to the main event, as Brisbane and Central Coast not only finished first and second, but between them dominated almost every conceivable statistical category.
The sides are one and two in categories such as shots on goal and passing efficiency, while the Roar also lead the Hyundai A-League in goals scored and the Mariners have proven themselves the competitions most efficient tacklers.
But while Arnold promised his side would play their part in a guaranteed cracker, he also made a very deliberate effort to strengthen claims to the underdog tag, and to once more hint at the burden of pressure facing the hosts.
“I think with the way Brisbane played this year, they’ve obviously been the standout team,” he said.
“With 27 games undefeated and 52,000 turning up, Brisbane will want to send them home happy.”
“We’re coming up here to enjoy the occasion, give it everything we’ve got – we want to win the game as much as Brisbane wants to win the game – but we’ve had minimal pressure on us, because no one expects us to win.”
