Brisbane Roar head coach Warren Moon has issued a blunt warning to senior members of his A-League Men’s squad – perform or perish.
The Roar fought their way to a 1-1 draw with in-form Melbourne Victory in wet and windy conditions at Moreton Daily Stadium on Anzac Day.
Monday’s result means the second-last Roar are now without a win in their past four games and with just three matches to go in their campaign, Moon says he’ll now switch his focus to which members of the squad will be part of his future plans.
“It’s about performance. It’s about pride in the shirt,” Moon said.
“Finding people for next season in terms of what we’re doing and in terms of the young boys getting an opportunity.
“Finding players that want to stand up and be counted … we’re not where we want to be and we certainly don’t want to stay there next season.”
Moon handed a starting debut to 20-year-old Eli Adams after recent impressive cameos off the bench, and while happy with how the youngster played, said it showed up some of his more experienced team-mates’ efforts.
“The disappointing thing for me is he’s an 18, 19-year-old kid and we’ve got players in our team that have had opportunities all year and even today – I don’t want to say who – but I’m not happy with everyone’s effort levels today,” he said.
“Young boys showing the way. It shouldn’t be the way for our squad.
“That’s why we need to readdress that for next season.
“There’s a lot on the line for us so if anyone wants to down tools they can but they won’t be part of the squad for me.”
