After 12 months in the job, Brisbane Roar head coach Ange Postecoglou has cited the coming weeks as one of his squad’s biggest challenges during his time at the club, but said they would remain focused, taking each game as it comes.
Postecoglou said the depth within the squad would soon be put to the ultimate test, but emphasised the importance of preparing for each game individually.
“I-ve said to the players that if we start looking at it as a three game project, it might take the focus away from the fact that the most important game is the next one coming,” he said.
“We-ll go out hard in Saturday night-s game, and then we-ll reassess after that.”
Tomorrow night-s match against Newcastle Jets will mark one year to the day that Postecoglou took over coaching duties at the Roar and he-s hoping to mark the occasion by collecting maximum points against the league-s ninth-placed team.
“It-s flown by actually,” he said.
“It-s been good, an enjoyable ride, but we-ve had our ups and downs definitely.
“(Newcastle) have had an interesting start to the year, we-re expecting a tough game and they-ve got a great record up here.
“From our point of view, it-s about performing to the capabilities we-ve shown so far – we need a big 90 minutes on Saturday.”
Newcastle have a decent record in Brisbane, winning six of the eight matches played between the two sides at Suncorp Stadium.
However, this season has proved difficult for Branko Culina-s men, having only managed one victory so far this season, a 2-0 win over Perth Glory a month ago.
The two sides played out a goalless draw in week five, but Postecoglou had no doubt his side would be able to find the back of the net this time around against the Jets.
“With all the rain around town, there was a time I didn-t think we would train at all but as the week-s gone on they-ve certainly gotten better,” he said.
“They-re looking in fine form.”
Aiming to equal their longest undefeated streak at home with six games without a loss, Postecoglou was hopeful of a stirring performance in front of their home supporters to consolidate their place at the top end of the Hyundai A-League ladder.
“I think the one thing we have done is set out to do is to be good at home,” he said.
“I think we have been so far and we certainly want to continue that.”
Brisbane Roar play Newcastle Jets on Saturday 16 October at Suncorp Stadium, kicking off at 7.45pm.
Kids under 15 get in for FREE – so be sure to organise your tickets in advance by calling Ticketek on 132 849 or dropping into any Ticketek agency.
Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets
Saturday, 16 October 2010
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Local kick-off: 7.45pm AEST (8.45pm AEDT)
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Assistant referees: Denis Silk and Ashley Beecham
Fourth official: Matthew Gillett
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD and Sky Sport 2 (NZ). Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 1233 ABC Newcastle. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2. Matt SMITH, 3. Luke DEVERE, 4. Shane STEFANUTTO, 5. Ivan FRANJIC, 6. Erik PAARTALU, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 11. REINALDO,12. Matt MUNDY, 14. Rocky VISCONTE,15. Matt McKAY (c), 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Luke BRATTAN, 20. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 21. James MEYER, 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Milan SUSAK
*three to be omitted*
In: Ivan FRANJIC (returns from injury), Luke BRATTAN (returns from illness), James MEYER (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Jean Carlos SOLORZANO (quad strain – 1 week), HENRIQUE (broken arm – indefinite)
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Ben KENNEDY (gk), 2. Taylor REGAN, 3. Adam D-APUZZO, 5. Ljubo MILICEVIC (c), 7. Kasey WEHRMAN, 9. Zhang SHOU, 10. Ruben ZADKOVICH, 11. Tarek ELRICH, 13. Sasho PETROVSKI, 14. Labinot HALITI, 15. Sean ROONEY 16. Jeremy BROCKIE, 17. Marcello FIORENTINI, 18. Marko JESIC, 19. Ali ABASS, 21. Brodie MOOY, 22.Kaz PATAFTA, 40. Matthew NASH
*three to be omitted*
In: Taylor REGAN (promoted), Jeremy BROCKIE (returns from international duty), Marko JESIC (promoted), Kaz PATAFTA (promoted)
Out: Nikolai TOPOR STANLEY (injured – 1 week)
Unavailable: Neil YOUNG (illness – indefinite), Ben KANTAROVSKI (International Duty), Michael Bridges (injured – 4 weeks), Jobe WHEELHOUSE (injured – 1 week)
Head-to-Head: All matches (played 17): Brisbane Roar wins 6, Newcastle Jets wins 7 (4 draws)
