Brisbane Roar Head Coach John Aloisi says his side won’t adopt a defensive mentality just because they are playing away from home.
As they prepare for a series of matches on the road, starting in Newcastle tomorrow against the Jets (4.15pm kick off Qld time), Aloisi has urged his players to be true to the Roar’s reputation for entertaining, attacking football.
“Whether we are playing home or away, we will keep on trying to be the team that’s proactive and take the game to the opposition,” Aloisi said.
“We know it is going to be a difficult game in Newcastle. They’ve got a better side this year in terms of the way they have been set up . . . they are going to make it difficult for us.
“(We will) focus on what we are doing and trying to make sure that we play the style of football that we’ve set out to do since the first day of pre-season.
“For us we believe that it’s the winning way and that’s the way forward for us. Others will have their opinion and their way of playing. We feel that the way we play is going to bring us success.
“We’re not getting ahead. We know that there’s still a long way to go (in the season).
“We know that we need to improve still in the way that we want to play within our structures and our patterns and I think that we are doing that.”
Speaking to the media after training today, Roar captain Matt McKay echoed Aloisi’s approach to tomorrow’s game.
“The surface down there (in Newcastle) is incredible and hopefully we can play some of the football we want to play,” McKay said.
“We are going to have to work hard, move the ball extremely quick so the tempo is going to be important. If we do that and shift them quickly we are a bigger chance to get some goals.
“It is about getting out there and sticking to your guns in the way you want to play and believe in the way you want to play and the way the coaches have set it up.
“As players we do that at this club. We are really enjoying the season so far and really looking forward how this season will shape up.”
McKay is in line to play his 200th game in all competitions for the club. International marquee Thomas Broich is set to make his 150th appearance for the Roar.
“To play 200 games is pretty special for myself but I want to play more for the club. I want to win more titles with the club and our next step is a game against Newcastle tomorrow night,” McKay said.
“My body is feeling great. I just have to keep working hard and trying to improve my game because there are so many aspects I want to be better at,” he said.
McKay, 32, also paid tribute to the impact the 34-year-old Broich has had on the Roar since the German joined the club five seasons ago.
“Our success has come down in a large part to what (Broich) has brought to the club and how he has helped out every player . . . his passion for the game,” McKay said.
“It is quite unique that we have both reached milestones at the same time.”
