Brisbane Roar raced to a 5-0 win over Gold Coast Knights in their penultimate pre-season game and Stefan Mauk believes Robbie Fowler’s side are Hyundai A-League ready.
Roy O’Donovan and Tom Aldred’s goals put Roar two up at half-time against the National Premier Leagues Queensland champions at Logan Metro Football Complex.
Brad Inman added a double after the break and Mauk completed the rout with four minutes remaining.
With one final warm-up match against Peninsula Power next week, Mauk believes Brisbane’s mindset is to already dialled to Hyundai A-League mode.
CONFIRMED: Berisha back in the Hyundai A-League
DEADLY: The brilliant Berisha stats you need to know
LEGACY: The defining moments of Besart Berisha
🗣️ Hear what one of today's four goalscorers @StefanMauk had to say following today's 5-0 win over the #NPLQLD Champions.#RoarAsOne pic.twitter.com/ISzJq0sB7v
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) September 28, 2019
“It’s always important to win these games to take confidence going into the season,” Mauk said.
“We’ve played some other local league teams, and they have been ok, but Gold Coast Knights were really good.
“They play out from the back, similar to how A-League teams are going to do so we had to press them really high.
“I think we need to take the same mentality into next week. It’s the last game before the season so everyone is fighting for positions.
“It’s important to play the way we want to in round one. We will take that same confidence and mentality into that.”
FIFA 20: Hyundai A-League’s highest-rated players through the ages
12 DAYS TO GO: The storylines you need to know
Welcome to the big time
Hyundai A-League champions Sydney FC gave newcomers Western United a taste of what to expect in the Hyundai A-League during a 2-1 friendly victory.
With both sides fielding strong line ups, a pair of Milos Ninkovic strikes were enough to earn the win for Steve Corica’s side at Morshead Park.
Western United attacker Alessandro Diamanti had brought the Victorian club level on 61 minutes but the Serbian playmaker’s 71st-minute strike decided it.
With the game offering a glimpse at possible Round 1 line-ups, new arrivals Alex Baumjohann, Ryan McGowan, Kosta Barbarouses and Luke Brattan all started for Sydney FC.
United head coach Mark Rudan fielded a front three of Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, Scott McDonald and Connor Pain but, of course, all 11 Western United starters will make their debuts in Round 1.
FT | A brace to Serbian maestro Milos Ninkovic seals it for the Sky Blues in a strong pre-season hit out! #SydneyIsSkyBlue #WeAreChampions #WUFCvSYD pic.twitter.com/xTu4atCg9W
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) September 27, 2019
Reds appoint Jakobsen as captain
Michael Jakobsen was unveiled as Adelaide United captain at the club’s season launch at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday night.
The 33-year-old Danish international will be pulling on the armband following the departure of club favourite Isaias, and becomes only the second overseas player to lead the Reds.
Getjan Verbeek and his Adelaide United squad appeared before fans in the City of Churches ahead of their FFA Cup Semi Final encounter with Central Coast Mariners on Wednesday night.
Michael Jakobsen is unveiled as @AdelaideUnited captain for the 2019/20 #ALeague season. Great leader and fitting choice to lead the club. Top night at the Reds’ season launch at the Adelaide Convention Centre. pic.twitter.com/2GIJFvcg2s
— Rob Greenwood (@robgreenwood1) September 27, 2019
