Gold Coast United boss Miron Bleiberg has declared his confidence in his side overcoming Melbourne Victory in Sunday’s elimination final at Skilled Park and going one better than last season.
One of Bleiberg’s goals this term was to exorcise the demons of United’s inaugural finals campaign when, despite finishing third on the ladder, were knocked out in the first round after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to the Newcastle Jets.
This time around, after a more consistent season built on a strong rearguard, Bleiberg fancies his chances against the Victory.
“My belief is that unless there is some unexpected accident, we will do well and I’m confident we will go through to the next stage of the cup,” Bleiberg said.
“There was no stage during the season when they were above us on the ladder, maybe only Round 1, despite them having played a few more games than us and they could never eclipse us even until the final round. It’s no bluff. Overall we’ve proved this season we are a better team and I hope we show it on Sunday.”
“They’re a good side with more finals experience than we have but we have an experienced side ourselves. It’s the end of a chapter for us and we’re looking forward to fighting for each other and helping each other to succeed.”
The chapter Bleiberg referred to is the expected turnover of his squad for next season, with Dino Djulbic, Steve Pantelidis, Zenon Caravella and Bas van den Brink all confirmed exits, and it appears Jason Culina and Shane Smeltz may follow suit.
Their spots are expected to be filled by fresh young talent plucked from United’s youth squad, which was crowned National Youth League champions on Saturday, retaining their title after winning the NYL Grand Final in their inaugural year.
But with so many club stalwarts lured away by bigger salaries, next year will be a very different one for the Glitter Strip club and Bleiberg affirmed that his playing group will do all in their power to enjoy the little time they have left together.
“We’ve spent almost two years together but a lot of them are leaving. We all like each other and it’s like a family but this is a chance for us to express ourselves,” he said.
“Last year we finished third but dropped in the first round of the finals. This year we’ve finished fourth. In order to say we’re better than last year we need to win this game. I’m still proud that two years in a row, we finished top four.”
“We’re a new club. Everyone feels sorry for Fury and Melbourne Heart but nobody gives us this credit. Nobody can take it away from us. But if we want to achieve what we want to achieve, it’s a do-or-die game.”
But Bleiberg refused to dip back into the war of words that erupted after United’s last match against the Victory, when the Gold Coast mentor lashed out at Melbourne’s physical style of play – but hinted the presence of experienced referee Strebre Delovski will ensure any rash challenges are dealt with.
“I believe the referee is going to be one of the top referees around and because unlike last time, we have an experienced side, we will cater for whatever presents itself,” Bleiberg said.
“We will be happy to play nice football but if we need to mix it, we will mix it.”
