Brisbane Roar’s stellar 2013-14 season won’t be a success unless they win next weekend’s grand final, according to departing star Besart Berisha.
Brisbane Roar’s stellar 2013-14 season won’t be a success unless they win next weekend’s grand final, according to departing star Besart Berisha.
The Albanian scored the only goal as the Roar edged Melbourne Victory 1-0 in Sunday’s semi-final at Suncorp Stadium.
And despite finishing 10 points clear of the chasing pack to claim the premier’s plate, Berisha feels only a win in the playoff decider against Western Sydney will satisfy a squad hungry for silverware.
“Oh definitely, we have a strong team this year, and we have achieved until now not really (that) much,” he told Fox Sports.
“We win the Premiers Plate, but we want the grand final, this is really important. We have a good team, we know we can do it.”
The build-up to Sunday’s game was dominated by the subplot of Berisha’s impending move to Victory next season, and the marksman admitted to experiencing mixed emotions as he ended the hopes of his future employers.
“Definitely a strange feeling but I have a job to do,” he said.
“I am always loyal to my club and try my best for my club. Definitely not an easy situation for me but I think this is my job. I have finish to the last second of my contract.”
Berisha has endured a campaign interrupted by injury and suspension, but the 28-year-old hopes he is hitting his stride at the crucial moment with the title up for grabs.
“I just need more game-time and then I think I know what to do,” he said.
“It was a really difficult season for me until now, (with) some injuries and some suspensions. If I play a lot of minutes I’m stronger and stronger.”
Brisbane Roar have released their memberships for the 2014/15 Hyundai A-League season.
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