Central Coast Mariners boss Alen Stajcic feels there’s more than just an FFA Cup 2019 Quarter Final berth on the line in Wednesday night’s clash with Brisbane Roar.
With both clubs looking to rebuild after disappointing 2018/19 Seasons, Stajcic knows a ‘Cup run’ can be a launching pad to a bright future.
“The win against Maitland was obviously a good boost to the team to try and change that mentality around the group, to have that winning culture around and the winning feel,” said the Mariners boss on the eve of tonight’s clash against Roar.
The boys are Brisbane bound for some @FFACup football! 🚌 ✈️ 🏆#CCMFC #FFACup #MagicOfTheCup pic.twitter.com/SM6dDylB3M
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) August 27, 2019
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“It’s very important for both clubs to try and regain that.
“Brisbane have a proud history as have the Mariners. In terms of that context the game brings on a lot of importance so we’ll be taking it very seriously.”
The Mariners have few key absences in defence for the match at Dolphin Stadium in Redcliffe.
Both Giancarlo Gallifuoco and Ruon Tongyik will miss the match through injury, while Kye Rowles is suspended.
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But Stajcic revealed two of his key off-season recruits could be in line to make their first competitive appearances for the club tonight.
“Milan [Duric] didn’t play in the last game and either did Kim [Eun-Sun] so they are back into the squad after getting their international clearances,” Stajcic confirmed.
“We’ve got a boosted squad for [the clash with Roar] and we’re really looking forward to how they are going to perform at that level.”
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Asked about the challenge of facing Robbie Fowler’s new-look Roar, Stajcic said: “He’s [Fowler] done a very good job with them.
“They beat Sydney quite comfortably 2-0 in the first round of the FFA Cup so this will be a good indication of where both teams are heading into the A-League and great preparation for both teams.
“But it’s also a very important contest to try and get into the quarter finals.”
