Young Roar Head Coach Chris Grossman is excited to be back at home as his energised squad look to extend their unbeaten record after a stint on the road.
The Roar take on Adelaide United at A.J. Kelly Park on Saturday morning (10:30am KO) in a top-of-the-table clash after returning from a two-game road trip.
Grossman has been impressed with his side’s performances in the early stages of the competition and was delighted to take points away from Melbourne City and Perth.
“It’s been a tough couple of away trips – Melbourne City was a good experience for the lads against high quality opposition with a lot of first team players dropping down,” Grossman said.
“Then going to Perth where it’s always difficult to travel and coming back with two positive results and another clean sheet has been really positive.”
The Young Roar are the only team across the Foxtel Y-League yet to concede a goal in their opening three fixtures which Grossman has been delighted with.
“Its been something that I’ve really pushed to the boys this year that if we can not concede goals we’re a very good chance of scoring,” Grossman continued.
“At the end of the day we have defended really well, made tackles when we needed to, and we were defensively disciplined and solid which was reemphasised in Perth.”
The youth squad has featured first-team players throughout the opening fixtures which has been valuable for the younger members according to Grossman.
“We’re very lucky that we’re in an environment where almost everyone is fit and it’s been tremendous having Jack [Hingert] and George [Mells] and even the younger boys like Aaron [Reardon] and Kai [Trewin],” the Head Coach added.
“The results have been a reflection of what they’re prepared to do to get an opportunity in the first team and our boys haven’t let them down and wanted to continue to push the standard high.”
Grossman says Adelaide are a dangerous opponent but is confident his side has the quality to come out on top.
“I’ve watched a fair few of their games and they do have players that will hurt you given the opportunity – I think [Al Hassan] Toure is a prime example of that coming through the youth team last year and his rise this year,” Grossman said.
“A big learning lesson over the first three weeks is to keep possession of the ball and in transition we need to be focussed, disciplined and structured to how we’re going to stop them from hurting us.”
MATCH DETAILS
Foxtel Y-League 2019/20 Round 5: Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United
A.J. Kelly Park, Kippa-Ring
Saturday, 14 December (10:30am KO)
