Brisbane Roar Head Coach Warren Moon has full confidence in his squad’s ability to rediscover their goalscoring groove and says the side is “not far off” returning to top form.
The Roar are preparing to face Wellington Phoenix for the first time this A-League season in a Matchweek 13 fixture at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
Speaking on the eve of the encounter, Moon said the challenge for his team came down to correcting the “small details” that have gone against Brisbane in recent weeks.
“That’s where we need to be better,” Moon said.
“The final third is obviously somewhere we want to try to improve. Our build-up play, a lot of what we’re doing right now is quite good, it’s just about putting it all together in the final third. We’re not far off.
“We’re confident going into this weekend that we can put on a better showing in that final third and score some goals.”
#FlashbackFriday to the last time we met @WgtnPhoenixFC in Newcastle, when Jamie Young had an absolute blinder ?
? @FOXFOOTBALL #ForTheCrest #ALeague pic.twitter.com/jGCUp9HQQ8
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) March 19, 2021
Wellington sit four points behind the Roar following their 4-3 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers on Monday, which came after back-to-back victories.
Moon views the Phoenix as a talented team who share some similarities with his Roar side.
“I think they’re a bit like us,” he said. “They’re playing some good football and they’re a good side.
“They scored three the other night and were unlucky to lose. In general they’re probably the same as us. Probably lacking that bit in the final third to see games out and get results.
“You can see the sides that are doing well at the moment are taking their chances and scoring goals.
“That’s the A-League. You’ve got to take your chances when they come. The league is so tight at the moment that fine margins and details matter.”
Moon’s extended 20-man squad for the fixture includes former Wellington player Josh Brindell-South, who made his fourth appearance for the Roar against Western United last weekend.
The hard-running wing-back said he was looking forward to going up against some old team-mates, including one who has experience in orange.
“There are still quite a few boys there from when I was there,” Brindell-South said.
“Matty Ridenton, obviously he was here for a few games as well and now he’s back there. We’re quite close. It will be good to see him and have a little duel with him.
“It will be good to catch up but obviously a win is at the forefront of my mind. Go there, get the points and then I can have a chat with them after.”
