Recently re-signed Brisbane Roar midfielder Massimo Murdocca says his side is doing all the right things and Hyundai A-League glory is theirs for the taking.
Murdocca, one of three high-profile Roar players to have his contract extended this week, said coach Ange Postecoglou was the mastermind behind their 2010-11 success, and that the side was on track to go all the way.
“Ange is a character that we needed. Last year was a tough time and he was definitely the right man to come in and fix everything. We’re reaping the rewards and he deserves full credit for it.”
“I think (the way we’re training) is the sign of a championship winning team. We haven’t won anything yet, but I think we’re very close.”
“If we can keep improving out there on the training paddock, I think we’re pretty much there,” said Murdocca.
Postecoglou was less inclined to start thinking about filling the trophy cabinet, but he did say that locking up his midfield – Murdocca, Matt McKay and Mitch Nichols – with long term deals was another positive move.
“We wanted to send a strong message. The boys were out of contract so they had plenty of clubs knocking on their doors. If we weren’t heading in the right direction it would have been very easy for any one of them to take another option,” he said.
“These are the right people that we want to build this club around. It’s a big tick of approval as to where we’re heading as a football club.”
Twenty-one-year-old Nichols had reportedly been offered a lucrative contract with Gold Coast United, but the talented attacking midfielder said that his intention had always been to re-sign with the Roar.
“When I first spoke to the gaffer, I told him I wanted to stay… I saw a lot of speculation, but I didn’t speak to anyone else.”
Although he had a difficult time last season, Nichols has shown greater consistency with his offensive flair, and he says it’s down to an off-season attitude-overhaul.
“I’ve been working harder. Last year I probably slacked off a bit. It’s my own fault. Everyone was pushing me, but I let myself down and let the team down,” said Nichols.
“But I came back for pre-season with a new attitude and just got right into it. I’m starting to get rewards now.”
