The Brisbane Roar FC star spoke to the media today to preview the club’s Elimination Final against Adelaide United on Friday night at Adelaide Oval.
On Roar potentially going all the way from sixth spot
“Yes I do. Unfortunately we’ve copped another big blow with Jade [North] missing, we’ve got a few injuries. But at the same time our young guys have had a lot of game time in recent weeks and have proven they are up for it.
“If you look at the second half of the season, take away the little spell where we lost four in a row, where at times we had 10 players missing, if you take that out we have a pretty good record.
“It shows slowly but surely we’re getting the old Brisbane back. If we can bring that on Friday we have every chance of winning that game and then go on from there.
“At this stage of the season it doesn’t matter where you play. We have to overcome whatever is thrown our way and just make no excuses whatsoever.
“There’s only three games to go now to win another trophy no matter what happened earlier this season, it doesn’t matter anymore. There’s a big prize to win and it’s just getting exciting now.”
On Roar’s football philosophy
“Our team’s built to press and not just sit back and absorb pressure.
“I’m not saying that one or the other is better. If you look at Western Sydney when they reached their peak they were just great at absorbing pressure and then hitting teams on the break. But it seems like we’re just not good at that.
“Our players are attack-minded and we get a lot of joy out of playing a high line, a high press and that’s where all our creativity comes to life and it takes a bit of bravery to play that style because you can get caught out easily on the counter but if we want to win something that has to be our approach.
“If we want to have a true chance of going on to win stuff we have to play Brisbane Roar football.”
On the threat of Reds’ playmaker ‘Celo Carrusca
“He’s a great player. Sometimes all he needs is just one moment for him to change a game.
“Obviously he possesses a big threat with his balls in behind but at the same time we have similar players in our squad who can do this same.
“It comes down to that. Is he going to have a great game or are our guys going to have a great game?”
On Roar’s options in attack
“Andrija (Kaluderovic) has found his goal-scoring boots which is great.
“Brandon Borrello has had an awesome season, he’s lightning quick and just gets in behind.
“[Devante Clut] has shown now he’s a really creative player, can play through balls but can also score goals as well.
“I’m really happy with the line-up and give us a chance to win every game.”
On if winning from sixth spot would be club’s finest hour
“It would be huge but it wouldn’t be our finest hour.
“I consider a fine hour is when you put the icing on the cake. It means you have a great season, are really consistent, then win every game in the finals.
“That’s what we’re all about ultimately. Unfortunately it didn’t happen this year but we’re lucky there’s a system in place where we’re in a situation we can still win a trophy.”
On possibility of Ivan Franjic re-joining the club next season
“He’s a good guy, very competitive. He’s been huge for us in the past.
“If there’s any chance of getting him back [great]. But he might have to play as a right winger because my good friend Jerome [Polenz]is our right back now.”
