Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg believes this weekend’s season opener against Brisbane is the first step for the club on its journey to the Hyundai A-League finals in 2010.
Many pundits have predicted big things for the fledgling club and owner Clive Palmer boldly predicted that the team would go through the season undefeated.
But despite all the added pressure, Bleiberg is remaining focused on the job at hand.
“It has been very flattering to hear that so many other coaches and pundits believe we will do well and our goal has been clear from day one,” Bleiberg said.
“Like any other club we have entered this competition to win it. Our players have a winning mentality and that is evident every day at training.”
“The intensity with which they go about their jobs on a daily basis shows us that they have come here to be successful and we are looking to set out our stall straight away.”
“Despite all the hype regarding the game this weekend, being a derby and the first game in our history, it is only worth three points just like any other game. It represents just one element of our ultimate objective which is to have a very successful season on a number of levels.”
Bleiberg is also hopeful that on-field success for the team will lead to individual recognition for his talented squad, with several of his first-team players well placed for a push at a call-up to the national team.
“Our second mission for the season is to have as many of our players as possible considered for Socceroos selection,” he said.
“Naturally, Jason Culina has the FIFA World Cup finals to look forward to but when you look through our squad there are many players who I’m sure will be forcing their way into the thoughts of the national team coach for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers.”
“It will be tremendous for the club and the Hyundai A-League if a successful Socceroos side for the Asian Cup can be established from players taken from our domestic competition.”
“To help our players achieve recognition on a national level is certainly part of our agenda at Gold Coast United and we are glad to have many who we believe will be knocking on that door.”
“Naturally, every individual’s chance of Socceroos selection is enhanced if they are playing well in a team that is playing well, so for us the two goals go very well together.”
Gold Coast begins its inaugural campaign against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
