Besart Berisha has credited Mark Rudan for his memorable Hyundai A-League return, and says the Western United coach is a character who simply does not accept losing.
Rudan played a key role in bringing Berisha, the Hyundai A-League’s all-time top scorer, back to Australia after a difficult 18 month tenure in the J-League with Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Berisha did not find the net and rarely played for the Japanese side, a spell that Rudan revealed had taken its toll on the veteran 34-year-old poacher after last Sunday’s first-ever league victory over Wellington Phoenix.
But it took just 34 minutes for Berisha to find the net in Western United colours to secure the club’s inaugural win in the Hyundai A-League.
“I love characters like Mark. Hungry coaches who want to achieve, win games and create history. I love to be part of this,” Berisha said.
“I’ve been with similar coaches like Mark before and they never accept losing. They always drive every day more and more to achieve great things and I love it.”
“I really enjoy working with him.”
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“I just really wanted to do my job as a striker and do my job as much as I can,” Berisha added.
“This is where a striker gets counted, you have to score goals for your team, for your club.
“I want to do this but the most important thing is I really came here to help the team with my experience, with my game the way I play and help as much as I can.”
While Berisha’s goals and experience are bound to benefit United, the intensity and winning mentality that was his trademark at Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory make the forward and Rudan’s Hyundai A-League newcomers an ideal marriage.
He’ll be looking to continue a great start to life back in Australia in the club’s first ever home match against reigning Premiers Perth Glory on Saturday (kick off 5.00pm AEDT).
Tony Popovic’s Glory started their Premiership defence with a 1-1 draw against Brisbane Roar on Sunday, conceding a last-gasp equaliser to Roy O’Donovan.
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