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So after 36 games unbeaten Brisbane Roar’s players have promptly reacquainted themselves with losing. Last night’s 2-0 loss to Wellington Phoenix was their third on the trot. Six goals conceded, one goal scored and zero points acquired.
After the final whistle in Dunedin, Ange Postecoglou had his players run laps of the Forsyth Barr Stadium as they warmed down.
It was an appropriate sight as the cries against the way the A-League champions are playing at the moment turned into a chorus.
Yet the suggestion that the Roar must alter the way they play and “become more direct” are entirely misplaced.
The Australian’s football writer Ray Gatt even went so far as to say they were “trying to play too much pretty football”.
Personally, I disagree.
The Roar need to develop on how they play not overhaul the whole system which brought them this success.
If other teams have figured out a way to stymie them, then Brisbane must step up their game.
Look to increase the tempo, stretch opposing defences by always keeping the ball moving. Take quick free kicks, never let the other side. If opponents want to chase the ball around all day, then let them.
Remember that keeping possession is also a solid defensive approach, just make sure you use it wisely.
Furthermore Postecoglou must get his team more focused on how they implement their system. Choosing the right moment when to press right up the park and win the ball and when to funnel back a bit and press in midfield.
The solution to the current conundrum facing the Roar is the same thing that got them this far.
Thankfully Postecoglou agrees.
“I think things will turn around very quickly results-wise, but more important for us it’s just about being a better team and doing what we do better,” the 46- year-old said last night.
“It would have been very easy for us tonight, coming off the back of two losses, to play defensively, clear our lines and try to hold on for a draw.
“Everyone would be happy and saying we’ve turned it around, but it’s not what we’re about.
“We’ll keep doing what we’re doing because ultimately that’ll produce better players and make us a better team.”
So this is now the challenge a man who has quickly become the hottest coach in Australian football faces.
Throughout the Roar’s magnificent run the question lurking beneath the surface is what would happen when things started to go wrong? We’re now finding out the answer to that as we see what Postecoglou is really made of as a coach.
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