The Roar » Liam FitzGibbon

Coach sees real Roar stand up in A-League

Liam FitzGibbon — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:42:40 +0000

A glimpse of the real Brisbane Roar has coach Ange Postecoglou upbeat about the reigning champions’ prospects approaching the A-League finals.

The Roar returned to form with an impressive 2-0 win over runaway league leaders Central Coast in Gosford on Saturday night to halt the Mariners’ 15-game unbeaten streak and make a statement in the championship race.

Postecoglou was pleased with how his side responded to their surprise 1-0 loss at home to Newcastle last week and encouraged by some of the football played.

And he took particular delight in the Roar’s second goal – a fine team move started by goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos and finished by striker Besart Berisha.

“That goal is what we’re about as a football club as far as I’m concerned,” Postecoglou said of the goal, which preceded a warm sideline embrace with his players.

“That’s why I was happy.

“We were trying to play out from the back a bit earlier and we almost coughed up a goal doing it and it’s very easy for the guys to fall into their shell.

“But look at that second goal … that’s the football club we want to be and that’s how we’re going to keep playing our football.”

The win ensured Central Coast’s lead atop the competition was kept to seven points, with Wellington sitting in second and the Roar a further point back in third.

Postecoglou admitted it was unlikely Brisbane would be able to reel in the Mariners in the race for the minor premiership with seven games to play, but said their focus would be on taking form and momentum into the finals.

Brisbane face the Phoenix in New Zealand next Sunday.

“They (Wellington) are hitting some real good form and getting some real momentum as well and I think this is going to be one of probably the most exciting finals races we’ve had,” Postecoglou said.

“A lot of teams are hitting some good form – it’s going to be fun.”

Mariners coach Graham Arnold reiterated his belief the Roar remained clearly Central Coast’s biggest title threat, especially with playmaker Thomas Broich fit again from a troublesome heel injury.

“The stats show when Thomas Broich is out and when he’s back they’re a totally different team,” Arnold said.

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Article link: Coach sees real Roar stand up in A-League. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Lavicka embarrassed by Sydney FC

Liam FitzGibbon — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:25:14 +0000

Outgoing Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka labelled his side’s defensive effort “embarrassing” as a host of former Sky Blues players starred for Newcastle in a painful 5-2 A-League thrashing on Sunday. The Sky Blues dropped out of the top six for the first time this season as the Jets took sixth spot with an impressive [...]

Article link: Lavicka embarrassed by Sydney FC. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Roar halt Mariners’ A-League run

Liam FitzGibbon — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:12:19 +0000

Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou concedes the Roar are unlikely to run down A-League leaders Central Coast despite halting the Mariners’ 15-game unbeaten streak with a 2-0 win at Bluetongue Stadium. First-half goals from Erik Paartalu and Besart Berisha in front of 10,217 fans in Gosford on Saturday ensured the Roar bounced back from last week’s [...]

Article link: Roar halt Mariners’ A-League run. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Vitezslav Lavicka to quit Sydney FC, Sky Blues go global for replacement

Liam FitzGibbon — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:15:03 +0000

Sydney FC are set to embark on a worldwide search for a new coach after the A-League club and Vitezslav Lavicka mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the season. The Czech coach’s departure comes amid two disappointing seasons since leading them to the premiership-championship double in his first season in 2009/10. Sydney [...]

Article link: Vitezslav Lavicka to quit Sydney FC, Sky Blues go global for replacement. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Tahs can’t try to please others: Mitchell

Liam FitzGibbon — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:20:46 +0000

Star back Drew Mitchell believes the NSW Waratahs can no longer afford to let criticisms of their style prove a distraction in the coming Super Rugby season. The ‘Tahs enter their 2012 campaign with high expectations as they look to build on their finals exit at the hands of the Blues in Auckland last year. [...]

Article link: Tahs can’t try to please others: Mitchell. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Mariner Ryan delays overseas dreams

Liam FitzGibbon — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:23:06 +0000

The accolades and plaudits continue piling up for Mat Ryan but the promising Central Coast goalkeeper is in no hurry to pursue a move overseas. The 19-year-old Olyroos star is one of the most exciting talents in Australian football and touted as the future Socceroos No.1 by Mariners coach Graham Arnold. Ryan’s rapid ascent continued [...]

Article link: Mariner Ryan delays overseas dreams. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Socceroos stay put on deadline day

Liam FitzGibbon — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:22:33 +0000

Dreams of a move to the English Premier League have been put on hold for Socceroos stars Brett Holman and Rhys Williams with the closure of the January transfer window on Wednesday. While Williams’ younger brother Ryan secured a move from Portsmouth to EPL club Fulham on deadline day, Rhys Williams and Holman stayed put [...]

Article link: Socceroos stay put on deadline day. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Carle to be let off Sydney FC leash

Liam FitzGibbon — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:47:28 +0000

Sydney FC star Nick Carle is relishing a return to a familiar midfield role as the Sky Blues build towards Sunday’s crunch A-League clash with his former club Newcastle. Carle has predominantly been used as a supporting striker this season, with Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka promoting the former Socceroo further forward to give his frontline [...]

Article link: Carle to be let off Sydney FC leash. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Elsom says no bitterness over captaincy

Liam FitzGibbon — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:46:36 +0000

Rocky Elsom claims he has no lingering resentment over his dumping as Wallabies captain and believes leading the national team has left him better equipped for his new role as skipper of the NSW Waratahs. Elsom was officially appointed to the role on Tuesday and will spearhead a large leadership group as the Waratahs carry [...]

Article link: Elsom says no bitterness over captaincy. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Carney set to follow Gallen’s lead

Liam FitzGibbon — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:45:31 +0000

Todd Carney knows he needn’t look far for inspiration as he attempts to shed his NRL bad boy image with new club Cronulla. The 25-year-old insists he has put his troubled past behind him and is firmly focused on making his mark for the Sharks ahead of his club debut in Friday night’s trial match [...]

Article link: Carney set to follow Gallen’s lead. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Central Coast told to embrace ACL, not complain

Liam FitzGibbon — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:22:41 +0000

Central Coast have received little sympathy over complaints of a gruelling A-League schedule during the Asian Champions League, with league chief Lyall Gorman calling it “an unfortunate fact of life”. Mariners coach Graham Arnold has vented his frustrations over the scheduling of away trips to Perth and Wellington late in the season when his side [...]

Article link: Central Coast told to embrace ACL, not complain. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Arnold wants answers over scheduling

Liam FitzGibbon — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:40:20 +0000

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold fears he may have to field a weakened side at the business end of the A-League season due to what he says is “crazy” scheduling during his side’s Asian Champions League campaign. Arnold slammed Football Federation Australia over several scheduling issues after the Mariners overcame a hectic week to defeat [...]

Article link: Arnold wants answers over scheduling. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Bleiberg sees season flushed away

Liam FitzGibbon — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:27:32 +0000

Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg declared his A-League team’s season “down the toilet” as he partly blamed an emergency bathroom stop for a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Sydney FC on Sunday night. The Sky Blues came from behind at the Sydney Football Stadium to register their first A-League win in seven games, with Bruno Cazarine’s [...]

Article link: Bleiberg sees season flushed away. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Sydney FC look to build on breakthrough

Liam FitzGibbon — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:25:51 +0000

Sydney FC captain Terry McFlynn believes one small step for Sydney FC could be a giant confidence booster in the run to the A-League finals. The Sky Blues earned a badly-need victory and their first in seven matches with a come-from-behind 2-1 defeat of Gold Coast at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday night. Goals [...]

Article link: Sydney FC look to build on breakthrough. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Arnold hails Mariners, slams FFA

Liam FitzGibbon — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:55:45 +0000

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold accused Football Federation Australia of failing to consider player welfare after his side overcame a brutal A-League schedule to defeat Adelaide 3-2 on Saturday night. The table-topping Mariners enhanced their championship credentials with two late goals at Bluetongue Stadium to stretch their unbeaten run to 14 games and inflict John [...]

Article link: Arnold hails Mariners, slams FFA. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

NRL reaches out to Pacific contingent

Liam FitzGibbon — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:36:36 +0000

The NRL hopes to empower Pacific Islander players to better balance the demands of top-level rugby league with cultural expectations in a “ground-breaking” leadership camp. Almost 50 NRL stars and team officials, all of Pacific Islander heritage, assembled in Sydney on Friday for the three-day camp initiated by the’s NRL welfare and education officer, former [...]

Article link: NRL reaches out to Pacific contingent. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Sydney FC’s Petratos sends selection message

Liam FitzGibbon — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:45:33 +0000

Sydney FC made a statement by bringing down Brisbane Roar and young gun Dimitri Petratos hopes he’s done the same with an electrifying performance in the A-League win. Young Socceroos striker Petratos scored in the first minute of Sunday’s 2-0 win at Jubilee Oval to lay the platform for Sydney to end the Roar’s record-breaking [...]

Article link: Sydney FC’s Petratos sends selection message. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Sydney FC draw curtain on Roar’s run

Liam FitzGibbon — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:22:44 +0000

The longest running undefeated streak in top-level Australian sport is over after Sydney FC ended Brisbane Roar’s amazing 36-game unbeaten run with a shock 2-0 win at Jubilee Oval on Sunday. Defying the odds on the back of two straight defeats, Sydney stunned the Roar with an opener to young gun Dimi Petratos after just [...]

Article link: Sydney FC draw curtain on Roar’s run. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Roar beaten by better team: Ange

Liam FitzGibbon — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:14:21 +0000

All good things must come to and end and Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou believes even Lionel Messi couldn’t have saved the A-League club’s 36-game unbeaten run from extinction on Sunday. Sydney FC’s 2-0 win over the Roar at Jubilee Oval officially drew the curtain on Brisbane’s amazing run, a record in top-level Australian sport. [...]

Article link: Roar beaten by better team: Ange. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Jets soar over star-studded Victory

Liam FitzGibbon — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:04:50 +0000

Newcastle Jets rewarded their biggest home A-League crowd in four seasons with a 3-1 win over a star-studded Melbourne Victory at Ausgrid Stadium on Saturday night. As 17,245 fans turned up to see star Victory recruit Harry Kewell’s first appearance in the city, the Jets came from behind to seal a crucial result sure to [...]

Article link: Jets soar over star-studded Victory. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Ennis to captain Bulldogs in NRL

Liam FitzGibbon — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:44:37 +0000

Michael Ennis rates being appointed Canterbury captain the highlight of his rugby league career after the NRL club confirmed his appointment on Friday. In coach Des Hasler’s first major decision since his controversial arrival from Manly, the NSW Origin hooker will lead the Bulldogs following Andrew Ryan’s retirement at the end of last season. The [...]

Article link: Ennis to captain Bulldogs in NRL. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Bridge out, Antonis doubtful for Sydney FC

Liam FitzGibbon — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:55:33 +0000

Sydney FC are set to miss both young gun Terry Antonis and striker Mark Bridge for Sunday’s A-League blockbuster with Brisbane Roar. Bridge has been ruled out of the match due to a back problem aggravated in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Wellington in New Zealand. And Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka said on Friday he would [...]

Article link: Bridge out, Antonis doubtful for Sydney FC. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Sydney FC not daunted by Roar challenge

Liam FitzGibbon — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:03:54 +0000

Successive A-League losses have failed to dampen Sydney FC’s spirits as they set out to avoid becoming another notch on Brisbane Roar’s belt on Sunday. The sides lock horns in a blockbuster clash at Kogarah’s WIN Jubilee Oval with the table-topping Roar on a high having made Australian sporting history by extending their unbeaten run [...]

Article link: Sydney FC not daunted by Roar challenge. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Matildas Olympic reprieve hopes dashed

Liam FitzGibbon — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:00:33 +0000

The Matildas’ hopes of a London Olympic reprieve appear dashed with Australia’s calls to have North Korea banned from the tournament over a doping row falling on deaf ears. Australia’s women’s soccer team narrowly missed a 2012 Olympic berth, finishing third at the Asian qualifying tournament in September behind Japan and North Korea, who claimed [...]

Article link: Matildas Olympic reprieve hopes dashed. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

2022 World Cup bid not over yet, says Lowy

Liam FitzGibbon — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:26:44 +0000

Newly re-elected Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy has hinted he feels Qatar could yet be stripped of hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, saying the last word has not been spoken on the controversial awarding of the event. The process of awarding the gulf country the event over the likes of Australia [...]

Article link: 2022 World Cup bid not over yet, says Lowy. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

FFA backs Mariners to stay afloat

Liam FitzGibbon — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:23:13 +0000

Frank Lowy expects the financially embattled Central Coast Mariners to survive but has warned Football Federation Australia can no longer step in to rescue struggling A-League clubs. FFA confirmed after its annual general meeting on Monday it had posted a loss of $891,000 for the 2010-2011 financial year, despite forecasting a surplus of $3.7 million [...]

Article link: FFA backs Mariners to stay afloat. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Off-colour Mariners get job done

Liam FitzGibbon — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:18:21 +0000

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold was happy to take a generous slice of luck as a below-par Mariners maintained their strong run with a 3-1 win over Melbourne Heart on Saturday night. The Gosford-based side extended their unbeaten run to five matches and kept hold of second spot in front of 7242 fans at Bluetongue [...]

Article link: Off-colour Mariners get job done. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Zwaanswijk hails Mariners A-League spirit

Liam FitzGibbon — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:33:22 +0000

A happy A-League club is a successful one, according to Central Coast defender Patrick Zwaanswijk, who claims fun and friendship are major reasons behind the Mariners’ recent resurgence. The Gosford-based side continued to recover from a slow start to the season with a 3-2 win away to Sydney FC on Saturday night, a result which [...]

Article link: Zwaanswijk hails Mariners A-League spirit. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Mariners hold on despite Emerton stunner

Liam FitzGibbon — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:03:34 +0000

A resurgent Central Coast staved off a late Sydney FC fightback to climb to second spot on the A-League ladder with a 3-2 upset win at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday night. Last season’s grand finalists extended their unbeaten run to four matches but they faced some nervous late moments after Sydney’s star recruit [...]

Article link: Mariners hold on despite Emerton stunner. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Full strength Socceroos for Saudis, says Osieck

Liam FitzGibbon — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:12:07 +0000

Overseas-based Socceroos won’t be spared the long trip home for February’s home clash with Saudi Arabia despite already sealing a spot in the final phase of 2014 World Cup qualifying. Australia’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Thailand in Bangkok on Tuesday ensured the Socceroos’ place among 10 Asian teams that will fight it out for up [...]

Article link: Full strength Socceroos for Saudis, says Osieck. Written by Liam FitzGibbon, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion