Brisbane Roar Head Coach Mike Mulvey has backed his players to bounce back from the disappointment of losing the AFC Champions League qualifying match against Buriram United with a strong performance against Wellington Phoenix at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Brisbane Roar Head Coach Mike Mulvey has backed his players to bounce back from the disappointment of losing the AFC Champions League qualifying match against Buriram United with a strong performance against Wellington Phoenix at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Brisbane’s players showed tremendous commitment and determination at the aptly named Thunder Castle in Buri Ram on Wednesday, but despite battling strongly for 120 minutes eventually lost the contest in a penalty shoot out.
While acknowledging the disappointment of the playing group, Mulvey said he was confident the squad would dust itself off and attack the challenge ahead of them with more of the determination they showed in Thailand.
“We’re all bitterly disappointed with the result of the match, but I believe every Brisbane Roar fan can be proud of the effort their team showed against Buriram,” Mulvey said.
“Every single player gave everything they had for the shirt, the club and the fans.
“We understandably have some very tired boys right now, but there is a real steel and determination to go to Suncorp Stadium on Sunday and secure a positive result.”
In a boost to Brisbane Roar’s playing stocks Massimo Murdocca and Henrique are both set to be available for the clash against Wellington.
Murdocca has recovered quickly from an ankle injury he picked up 13 days ago against the Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp Stadium.
Brazilian winger Henrique has overcome a quad strain which has kept him sidelined for four weeks.
Both players traveled to Thailand with the 18-man ACL squad in order to continue their recovery and training under the watchful eye of the club’s conditioning and medical staff.
“Having Massimo and Henrique available for selection is a huge boost ahead of the match,” Mulvey said.
“Not only are they important players, but both bring a real energy to the playing group.
“The buzz both of these players bring to the squad can only help energise the players around them.”
Mulvey and his staff will assess the squad over the coming days, however one player who won’t be available is Ivan Franjic who sustained a concussion in a first half collision with goalkeeper Michael Theo in Wednesday’s match.
Brisbane Roar host Wellington Phoenix on Sunday, 17 November at Suncorp Stadium. Kick-off is at 4pm. To purchase tickets, please click here.
