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At least Brisbane can agree with outspoken Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg on one thing – the Roar will be underdogs for their A-League season opener on Sunday.
But don’t expect new Roar skipper Matt McKay to see eye to eye with Bleiberg on much else.
In fact a quietly confident McKay had a cheeky chip at the United mentor as a rejuvenated Roar prepared to prove a few doubters wrong this season.
While almost introverted compared to United’s boastful pre-season last year, Bleiberg has still labelled the Gold Coast favourites for not only their Skilled Park clash but also the 2010-11 A-League title.
McKay couldn’t argue with Bleiberg’s view of this weekend’s derby – a 0-3 record against United last season, including a 5-1 loss, backed it.
But McKay gave a not-so-subtle reminder that history would only remember teams which let their football do the talking.
“We will be underdogs for this game – that’s the way Miron likes to talk about it as well,” McKay said in Brisbane on Wednesday.
“But we believe it’s an excellent start to the year for us – it’s a big opportunity to prove ourselves.
“We didn’t beat them at all last year. But we are at the peak of our fitness and raring to go.”
Asked what he thought of United’s toned-down approach to the new season, McKay said: “Last year they wanted to be the glamour club but they came third.
“No one remembers that in A-League history, who comes third – only the winners.
“They are a bit quieter (this year).
“Miron’s got plenty of tricks up his sleeve, I am not sure if he will use them or not.
“If they win I am sure he will say he used tricks – we will wait and see.”
Clearly Roar coach Ange Postecoglou also has a few tricks up his sleeve if he has moulded a competitive outfit out of last season’s wreckage.
Taking over the reins from sacked coach Frank Farina, Postecoglou couldn’t stop the Roar slumping to second-last in 2009-10 – their worst season finish.
Despite no less than 12 off-season signings, the Roar will have no excuses if they fail in 2010-11 according to McKay.
“This season is results-based,” McKay said.
“We are going to be a less naive side, defend tight and hopefully catch teams.
“We want to show the fans that we can win games.”
Their encouraging pre-season included wins over Melbourne Heart, Newcastle Jets and a 2-1 loss to English Premier League outfit Everton – the best result by an A-League side against the touring Toffees.
McKay sat out the Roar’s training session on Wednesday but claimed it was “a bit of a rest, nothing newsworthy”.
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