First there was his messy departure from North Queensland – now Socceroo Shane Stefanutto reckons the Fury hasn’t done his new A-League side Brisbane Roar any favours.
The Roar vice-captain is bracing himself for the backlash from a wounded Sydney FC after the defending A-League champions suffered a shock 2-1 last round loss to early wooden spoon favourites North Queensland.
Brisbane had plenty of momentum following their encouraging 0-0 draw against nemesis Gold Coast United in the season opener but were forced to cool their heels due to a second round bye.
That time was spent watching Saturday night’s opponents Sydney FC take on the Fury in Townsville – and Stefanutto wasn’t happy with the result.
“Of course I was hoping for a draw (in Townsville) – unfortunately North Queensland snuck it,” Stefanutto said on Tuesday.
“But it is a tough trip to Townsville, (and) it is not as hard a trip to Brisbane.
“They will be motivated but we are pretty confident.”
Especially after encouraging reports on the fitness of Brisbane striker Reinaldo (hamstring).
“We have a settled line-up but there could be some selection headaches – Reinaldo trained today so there’s no dramas there for him,” Stefanutto said.
Stefanutto signed a three-year deal with the Roar in April.
It was the same month Football Federation Australia were forced to take over the cash-strapped Fury following owner Don Matheson’s decision to walk away following losses reportedly up to $4.5 million.
Now he is bracing for the fallout over Sydney FC’s shock loss to the Fury.
It ensured the Sydney glamour club only have a point to show for the first two rounds, following a high-scoring draw with Melbourne Victory.
The Roar looked chuffed after finally ending a three game losing streak against United in the season opener, but Stefanutto believes there is plenty of room for improvement against Sydney FC.
After butchering 10 shots on target against United, Stefanutto said the Roar had to learn how to finish teams off.
“We have, let’s be honest,” he said.
“That’s the part of the match we weren’t happy with.
“We had enough chances to win that match, we didn’t take them – hopefully we will this weekend.”
Brisbane have lost only once to Sydney in the past 10 encounters between the clubs – but new Roar keeper Michael Theoklitos was more than wary.
“They are the champions. They obviously have not got off to a good start, but they are going to come out firing and we are going to have to be ready for that – we are not going to take them lightly,” he said.
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
That is a nice theory (one I hope works out correctly), but we all know what the Roar is like when playing at home - abysmal. I gave up going to home games at Suncorp after being let down almost every single time I went. There were occasional victories, but by god were there a lot of terrible, terrible losses, compounded by aweful draws when the Roar couldn't kill off teams, only to cough up an equaliser in the last couple of minutes. Oh, and with Reinaldo we are sure to miss about 10 chances that any decent striker would gobble up with their eyes shut, too. C'mon Solorzano, get fit! I am keen to check out Ange's team now, though, but unfortunately I've got a wedding on Saturday, in Blackbutt, making it impossible for me to be at the game. I will just have to record it on Fox and hope... Go Roar!
DiCanio
Guest
Sydney have no strikers so Roar should piss it in.
General Ashnak
Guest
I have been totally amazed at how well Ange is dealing with BR. Was expecting very bad things from him - but he actually is bucking the rinse wash repeat trend by actually being quite good. Hopefully he continues to prove me and the rest of his doubters wrong over the course of the season.
Tadpohle
Roar Rookie
I have more confidence in Postecoglou now than then. If he sees fit to play him I am ok with that. He may suit the new style and tactics, blah blah blah. Just want roar to win. Any team beating last season's champs will rate as game of the week.
Farqwar
Guest
I hope Sydney are bold and go out to restore some pride. Keep the ball and work it through the midfield. Two strikers and I think we are a chance, though I think Brisbane are a good team this year and it isn't going to be easy. So yeah, heres, hopefully, to a cracker of a game!
chocolatecoatedballs
Guest
look forward to a cracker of a game, could be game of the week.
gawa
Guest
For all of the changes to the squad and more importantly the playing style, I find it disturbing that we are going to see Reinaldo lead the line for us again this season. Never has been and never will be good enough in the one area where Brisbane have always struggled.