Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos has admitted to mixed emotions ahead of Sunday’s clash with former team Melbourne Victory, but insists it’s a challenge he’s looking forward to.
Theoklitos spent four years with the Victory, making 71 appearances and winning the Hyundai A-League double in the 2006/07 and 2008/09 seasons.
After a season abroad with Norwich City in England-s League One, Theoklitos decided to make the move back to Australia this year, signing for Brisbane Roar in March.
Playing for the first time against his hometown club, Theoklitos said he was up to the test.
“I was there for four years from day one and we had a lot of success,” he said.
“I left on good terms so from a player-s point of view, it-ll be mixed emotions but it-s something that I-m looking forward to.”
Even though Melbourne has only recorded one win from five games so far this season, the former Hyundai A-League goalkeeper of the year said his side still needed to be aware of their attacking threats.
“They-ve had a lot of injuries and probably haven-t started as well as they would have liked to have started,” he said.
“In saying that, they-re a quality team, especially at home with the support they have.
“It-s going to be very tough to break them down, but we-ve just got to concentrate on the style of play we want to play and hopefully we-ll come back with a result.”
Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou agreed with his goalkeeper-s comments, saying it wouldn-t be easy to keep their unbeaten run in the competition intact, but was confident his side could do it.
“It-s a big test down there, good stadium, good surface and they-re a good side so it-ll be a challenge for us,” he said.
“We-ll respect the opposition and from our point of view, build on what we-ve started.”
With the team likely to welcome midfielder Massimo Murdocca back into the starting line-up and Costa Rican Jean Carlo Solorzano set to make his second appearance for the Roar, Postecoglou was hoping for his team-s third win of the season.
“We-re always confident, but at the same time you understand that there is a challenge every week,” he said.
“I think the boys are pretty happy with the way we-re playing and their roles within the team and confidence helps that.”
Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar
Sunday, 12 September 2010
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Local kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Ryan Shepheard
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & Sky Sports 3. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 774 ABC (Melbourne).
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Michael PETKOVIC (gk), 2.Kevin MUSCAT (c), 3.Mate DUGANDZIC, 5. Surat SUKHA, 6. Leigh BROXHAM, 8.Grant BREBNER, 9.RICARDINHO, 11.Marvin ANGULO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 13.Diogo FERREIRA, 14. Billy CELESKI, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 17.Matthew FOSCHINI, 19. Evan BERGER, 20.Sebastian MATTEI (gk), 21.Robbie KRUSE, 23.Adrian LEIJER, 27. Geoff KELLAWAY *Four to be omitted*
In: Nil
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Archie THOMPSON (knee), Matthew KEMP (knee)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2. Matt SMITH, 3. Luke DEVERE, 4. Shane STEFANUTTO, 6. Erik PAARTALU, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 9. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO, 10. HENRIQUE, 11. REINALDO, 12. Matt MUNDY, 14. Rocky VICSCONTE, 15. Matt McKAY (c), 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Luke BRATTAN, 20. Andrew REDMAYNE, 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Milan SUSAK *three to be omitted*
In: 12. Matt MUNDY (promoted), 14. Rocky VISCONTE (promoted), 18. Luke BRATTAN (returns from illness)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 5. Ivan FRANJIC (quad strain – 1-2 weeks)
Head-to-Head: Played 15: Melbourne Victory 9 wins 9, Brisbane Roar 4 wins (2 draws)
