Season Preview – Brisbane Roar
Brisbane Roar has gone under the radar somewhat this off-season. They have had a fairly good pre-season, securing victories against all state opposition they’ve had. A slight concern may be the pre-season results against A-League opposition – they’ve won once, drawn once and lost once. The comfortable win came against a dismal Newcastle Jets, who are experiencing problems of their own.
Additionally, the Roar was also knocked out of the FFA Cup by a seemingly improving Adelaide United.
That said, pre-season is all about dusting off the cobwebs. Trophies aren’t won in August or September. I fully expect the Roar to be raring to go come season kick-off.
Season 2013/14
Brisbane Roar were head and shoulders above everyone. Mulvey ensured that Roar were returned as the benchmark of the league and his squad responded. They won games often comfortably, with their passing, movement and speed. Despite enduring a rough patch around the middle of the season, the Roar were that far in front of second place that it almost didn’t matter how many they lost.
Interestingly, Mulvey showed the next development in tactics in Australia. When Besart Berisha was suspended, Mulvey deployed the Roar in an almost 4-6-0 formation. Thomas Broich was deployed as the false 9, with the freedom to drift wide, most favourably to his preferred left wing, with Roar’s attacking midfielder moving into the space Broich had left behind.
Head Coach
Mike Mulvey was a breath of fresh air. In his first full season as a head coach of an A-League side, he proved his astuteness in dismantling the A-League’s other 9 nine clubs. He returned the Roar to the Promise Land, winning the Premiership and Championship double.
Using Ange Postecoglou’s 4-3-3 as his template, Mulvey modified the structure slightly to suit and enhance his squad. He transformed Ivan Franjic into a winger, whilst also getting the best out of Liam Miller.
Mulvey was also not afraid to use his youth team. He put his faith in them and they delivered when he needed to call upon them.
Finally, Mulvey had no qualms about showing his disappointment in his side’s performances throughout the season, regardless of whether they had won or not.
Arrivals
Jamie Young (Hayes and Yeading United), Daniel Bowles (Adelaide United), Mensur Kurtiši (KF Shkëndija), Adam Sarota (FC Utrecht on loan)
Departure Lounge
Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory), Ivan Franjic Torpedo Moscow, Matt Acton Released, Diogo Ferreira, Released
Key Player: Thomas Broich.
There is nothing I can about him that hasn’t already been said. He is the best import the A-League has ever had. He is miles ahead of Shinji Ono and Alessandro Del Piero, with the latter two failing to deliver Championships to their respective clubs. Broich has done it all and has shown that even in Berisha’s absence, he is The Man.
What’s he still doing here? Kofi Danning.
How does the poor bloke still have an A-League contract? He’s had to recover from two ACL injuries and has not looked close to getting a game in the senior squad. In his stint with CS Vise in Belgium (2012-2014) and his subsequent return to Brisbane, he’s only managed 11 games. Given Roar’s quality throughout the squad, he will struggle to get game time this season also. Is an NPL squad calling his name?
Extra Time
I honestly believed that Berisha’s departure would see Mike Mulvey modify the 4-3-3 into a permanent 4-6-0. But Mulvey has replaced him with another striker who seems to be similar to Berisha.
Despite my personal thoughts on the evolution of Brisbane’s formation, I see no reason for the Roar to slow down. They have a structure and culture in place which allows them to do what they do best, razzle, dazzle and win.
We spoke to Brisbane fan Nick Webber and asked him a few important questions about the season ahead. Follow him on twitter @gyronick92
Can the team win another title without Berisha?
Yes, of course they can. This season? Maybe not. I’m not so sure we have the fire power up front to really challenge for the title. Do Brisbane fans ever grow tired of watching the best football in Australia? Never! We love that our team is always positive, always competitive and always looking to win.
What does Champions League football mean to Brisbane fans?
A lot. We didn’t fare so well last time so this time we’ll be looking to make amends. And I think the coaching staff and team know this as well. They’ll want to do well.
What are your thoughts on the new Brisbane Kit?
It’s great! I wasn’t sure about it when I first saw it but I quickly started to like it a lot. It’s a big change, and I’ll be buying it for sure. Not sure which name and number I’ll get yet though.
How much will the early injury to Theo effect the season?
Hmmm, not too much I don’t think. Jamie Young is a capable replacement, but we all know how vital Theo is to the side. I think we’ll be alright though.
If you had to choose one coach who would it be Mike Mulvey or Ange Postecoglou and why?
Tough choice. I really don’t know. I’d probably have to say Ange, but I think Mike possesses skills that Ange doesn’t have. But I think Ange is a better coach. So yeah, probably Ange.
Where will Brisbane finish at the end of the season?
Each team has strengthened. Victory, Adelaide and Sydney are looking strong. City, Perth, Newcastle and Wellington have all recruited well, and you can never discount the Mariners. Our midfield is arguably better than last season’s but obviously Berisha and Franjic are big losses. I think we’ll still make the top 6. I’m going with 4th, and we’ll be knocked out in the second week of the finals. I think we’ll make the round of 16 of the ACL, depending on the draw of course. Should be an exciting season though, whatever happens!
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