They have failed to beat runaway champions Brisbane in three games and conceded 10 goals in attempting to bring them undone – but fearless Central Coast insist the heat is on the Roar ahead of Saturday night’s first leg of the major semi at Bluetongue Stadium.
Brisbane have gone 25 matches and 156 days since last tasting defeat, creating a new Australian record in the process, but Mariners coach Graham Arnold says his side welcomes the challenge of ending the run.
That’s despite being beaten 2-0 and 5-1 by the Roar earlier in the season before holding them to a 3-3 draw in their latest meeting.
“They’ve set the standard in the A-League and raised the bar for all the other teams but our players are mentally and physically ready for the challenge,” Arnold said at Monday’s A-League finals launch.
“We’ve improved and developed over the year and it’s taken a red-hot Brisbane side to beat us over the finishing line (for the minor premiership).”
“The Roar has been fantastic all year and to go 25 games unbeaten is some feat but with that comes a bit of pressure.”
“We’re at home and we have got nothing to fear.”
While much has been made of Brisbane’s record run, Arnold is quick to point out his side has gone 15 matches without losing.
In any other year, Central Coast’s 57 competition points would have been enough to win the Premier’s Plate.
Now there is a risk all that hard work could mean nothing if the Mariners don’t at least reach the grand final.
“The year’s been a massive success already but we’ve won nothing, got nothing,” Arnold said.
“We’d love to get the Asian Champions League position. That’s what we’re going to go for and we give ourselves every chance of doing that.”
“I gave a few of the boys an opportunity to rest (against Newcastle in the final round) and they didn’t want to.”
“They want to keep the momentum going so that shows how hungry they are.”
“They are desperate to get something from the season.”
Brisbane have managed to obtain football nirvana – combining attractive football with results – and have no intention of changing their ways now the finals have rolled around.
“Our main focus has been on how we play more than results,” coach Ange Postecoglou explained.
“I think that’s worked well, the players have thrived with that attitude.”
“I think we’ve sent a pretty good message that you can play good football and win games.”
As for the pressure of maintaining their unbeaten run, Postecoglou added: “I think the players have embraced it. We haven’t let it rule what we do.”
“It hasn’t changed the way we play and it won’t.”
