Brisbane Roar playmaker Thomas Broich is hoping his return to fitness in Monday night’s Hyundai A-League match against Wellington Phoenix is matched by a return to form by his side following the competition’s break for the AFC Asian Cup 2015.
Broich, who turned 34 yesterday, has not featured for the Roar since a 1-1 draw with Perth Glory two months ago following minor ankle surgery with his team managing two wins, two draws and two losses in his absence.
Their last outing was a forgettable 3-0 loss to the Phoenix at Westpac Stadium on January 4 with Frans Thijssen’s side in the unique position of spending three weeks preparing for their next Hyundai A-League fixture – against the same opponents.
While admitting he is not fully fit – something he says only match time will bring – Broich was feeling good about the side’s return to competitive action on Monday after a strong few weeks on the training paddock.
“The break was good for me personally and also for the whole club,” the two-time Johnny Warren medallist said after training yesterday morning.
“It gave us a chance to get our focus back, to regroup, and we’ve been working day in, day out.
“Everyone is really positive at the moment, we’ve worked so hard. We have our confidence back, at least at training, and that needs to translate into our games.
“We’ve made the most out of this mini pre-season and I hope it shows straight away on Monday.”
Brisbane currently sit seventh on the ladder, four points adrift of sixth-placed Melbourne City, but Broich said a strong collective effort moving forward would give his side the best possible chance of defending their 2014 Hyundai A-League title.
“The beauty of the Australian system is that all you need to achieve during the regular season is to make the finals and then you’re still a chance of becoming champions,” he said.
“I tell you what – I’m a firm believer that nothing is impossible.
“We were chasing games in three Grand Finals and we won all of them. What are the odds of that? I don’t know how far we can take it this season but we will give it a serious go.”
New defensive recruits Jerome Polenz and Luke DeVere are in contention to play in Monday’s match after being named in an extended 18-player squad alongside Broich and fit-again goalkeeper Michael Theo.
Brisbane Roar host Wellington Phoenix this Monday, 2 February 2015 at Suncorp Stadium. Kick-off is at 7pm. Tickets available at Ticketek.
