Despite the hype surrounding the club following their new Hyundai A-League record, Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou has declared it business as usual for his squad as they head into the final third of the campaign and prepare for tomorrow night’s blockbuster against Melbourne Victory.
Brisbane are coming out of a jam-packed month of November where they played seven games, including five on the road, and will now enjoy a more regular schedule as they chase their maiden Hyundai A-League title.
“We-re obviously pretty pleased with the way things have gone in the past few weeks but now it-s business as usual,” Postecoglou said.
“The boys are still looking pretty bright and they-re looking forward to the game tomorrow night.
“There is still of a third of the season to play so we-ve got to keep going.”
Midfield livewire Massimo Murdocca will miss the trip to his hometown after failing to recover from a groin strain, meaning 20-year-old Luke Brattan will be welcomed back into the 15-man squad for the first time since Brisbane-s week three clash against Sydney FC.
After justifying his coach-s decision to start him by scoring his fourth goal of the season on Sunday, Mitch Nichols is likely to retain his first team spot against the two-time Hyundai A-League champions.
“Massimo pulled up a bit sore and this game, with only a four day break, probably came too quickly for him,” Postecoglou said.
“He was on the bench so we-ll probably start with the same starting line-up.”
The team-s loss to Melbourne Victory back in week six has been Brisbane-s only blip in their rise to the top of the Hyundai A-League ladder and has been well documented in the lead-up to tomorrow night-s clash.
While the Roar squad will be looking to rectify the result at AAMI Park, Postecoglou said the fact the club has almost certainly secured a finals series berth was of greater importance for players and supporters to focus on.
“I think the one guarantee is that we-ll be playing finals football,” he said.
“40 points will get you in the finals so I guess that gives us a chance to win something and that-s all we can do.”
Brisbane Roar-s next home game is the December 26 derby clash with Gold Coast United. Kick-off for that match is 6pm and tickets are available through Ticketek (click here).
