Coach Ian Ferguson says his Perth Glory team ‘let themselves down’ by allowing Brisbane Roar to dictate the game to them in their 3-0 Hyundai A-League loss on Saturday.
Ian Ferguson says his Perth Glory team ‘let themselves down’ by allowing Brisbane Roar to dictate the game to them in their 3-0 Hyundai A-League loss on Saturday.
Brisbane were by far the best side in the match at nib Stadium, earning their fourth consecutive win and establishing a five point gap over third-placed Wellington thanks to Besart Berisha’s second half brace and Henrique’s opening strike.
The Glory’s second defeat from 11 matches since Christmas all but ended their top two ambitions, as they’re now seven points behind the Roar with four matches remaining.
But it was the manner of the defeat, much of which came against 10 men after Henrique was sent off with 25 minutes left, which Ferguson was more disappointed with.
“I felt as though we were second best all over the park at times … they pressed us high and controlled the game all over the park for long periods,” he said.
“They deserved to win without a doubt. They were so far on top of us at times in terms of possession and so on … they were by far the best team.
“It’s very frustrating. To let ourselves down tonight in the manner we did was disappointing.
“It was a good chance where we really could’ve pushed for finals and we’ve drawn ourselves back in it again.”
Fourth-placed Perth (34 points) are still just two behind third-placed Wellington, but are facing increasing competition from behind in Newcastle (31) and need to beat Adelaide on Thursday to maintain the edge in the fight for a home final.
“It’s all about character now and how we bounce back for the next game,” he said.
“I’m disappointed tonight and they [the players] are as well, they’re bitterly disappointed.”
The Glory were without import midfielder Liam Miller and marquee forward Shane Smeltz and Ferguson said it was too early to tell if they’d return for the Adelaide match but emphasised they’d be cautious with both.
The coach said their absence in the Roar game was no excuse for the performance.
“Obviously when you miss someone of that quality it takes its toll, but I’ve got two decent players who came in and did a good job in Billy Mehmet and Adam Hughes so I don’t want to make too much of that,” he said.
Ferguson said he felt Brisbane had shown to be the best team in the league, ahead of top side Central Coast Mariners.
