It may only be Round 8 of the 2009/10 A-League season, but Brisbane Roar coach Frank Farina has decreed it as the closest one yet and is anticipating a constant scramble for places in the top six.
Farina’s charges are preparing for a critical three weeks where they take on league leaders Sydney FC and Gold Coast United – with reigning champions Melbourne Victory sandwiched in-between.
Roar goalkeeper Liam Reddy declared his side’s performance over the next three weeks could well shape their season, but Farina was coy on the issue.
“If you look at the competition, last is on six points and first place is on 14 – it’s very, very tight,” Farina said.
“No one game is going to determine your future for the rest of the season – because there are other big games happening as well.”
“It’s going to be a scrap, a real dogfight for all the clubs – because everyone is beating everyone at the moment.”
“So we don’t place any more importance on this game compared to what we would place on any of the other 20 still to come.”
Farina attributed the success of Sydney FC, whom the Roar host on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium, to strength across the park.
“As a unit, as a team, they’re well drilled – they’ve got a very-good compactness about them, and they work hard for each other,” he said.
“When you’ve got all those ingredients, it’s no wonder they are sitting on top of the league with the Gold Coast.”
The men in orange have enjoyed a healthy record against their traditional rivals and boast an undefeated record against the Sky Blues that stretches for seven consecutive matches.
Farina, a noted non-believer in hoodoos, was quick to rubbish suggestions his side had the wood over Sydney.
“History really counts for nothing. There’s no point lying about it – it doesn’t count for s..t to be honest.”
“You got to turn up and play and try and win the game, even if you’ve beaten them ten times before or whatever, it just doesn’t matter.”
“It’s about who turns up on the day and who plays better than the other team.”
