Brisbane Roar’s new signing Jerome Polenz has vowed to “help bring back the winning culture” at the club.
Polenz was presented with his No.2 Roar jersey today at the Eagle Street Pier premises of the Roar’s principal partner, The Coffee Club.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Polenz said he was proud to have been signed by the Hyundai A-League champions and predicted a strong second half of the season for the club.
The former German Youth international said he would continue to play in the same way Roar fans remember him from his time at his former Hyundai A-League club, Western Sydney Wanderers.
“I am an aggressive player and I am not going to change that,” said Polenz, who admitted he preferred to play at right fullback but could also slot in anywhere across the backline or as a holding midfielder.
“It’s a good feeling to be back and I can’t wait to play again in the A-League – especially with the champions.”
When asked what qualities he would bring to the Roar, Polenz said: “I will bring good attitude, I will bring my resilience on the field, my work ethic and my attacking play down the right-hand side.
“I will play wherever the coach needs me and I am just looking to bring my all my qualities to the team and get them back to where they belong at the top of the table.”
“I want to help bring back the winning culture.”
Roar interim coach Frans Thijssen welcomed Polenz to the club and said the utility player added strength to his side in many areas.
“We like players who can play in different positions,’’ Thijssen said.
“Jerome is a quality player. He is quick, good on the ball and experienced, of course. That will mean improvement for the team and will help us get a lot more points in the second half of the season.”
Thijssen said he had no hesitation in giving Polenz the No.2, which was worn previously by former Roar captain Matt Smith, who transferred last month to Thai club Bangkok Glass.
“This is football. Players come and players go. Jerome will now wear the No.2 and we will all move forward together,’’ the former Dutch international said.
Thijssen also confirmed the Roar had only just begun strengthening its squad in the current transfer window, which continues through to the end of the month.
“I hope in the next couple of days there will be more news about other players,” he said.
Although Polenz has not played since the beginning of November, he has trained strongly with the Roar over the past month, including several extra sessions with the Young Roar.
He is expected to press for selection in the Roar’s first Hyundai A-League game back after the AFC Asian Cup break, against Wellington Phoenix at Suncorp Stadium on Monday, 2 February (7pm kick-off).
