When Besart Berisha hit a hat-trick for new club Melbourne Victory in the FFA Cup earlier this week you can bet Thomas Broich was feeling some sadness.
The Brisbane Roar midfielder says there’s no doubt Berisha’s absence has been noted among the A-League champions during the early weeks of pre-season training.
Broich, whose partnership with Berisha played a key role in the Roar’s success over the past four years, admits it’s sad the Albanian has headed south.
But the German says there’s nothing to be gained from dwelling on the past and instead the Roar’s fans and players must focus on who is still at the club.
“You have to move on quickly in football,” Broich told AAP.
“As sad as we are there’s no point reminding yourself every day about what you’re missing.
“We’ve got great players in our squad that can play that role and that’s what we should be focusing on.”
Broich says he’s more than capable of striking up a similar understanding on the field with whoever fills Berisha’s void, including new arrival Mensour Kurtisi.
“He’s looking better and better every day,” Broich said of Kurtisi.
“It takes a while to adjust to our system and get used to football in Australia, even now, dealing with the heat. He’s doing a great job, he’s a very intelligent footballer.
“It’s not just Mensour. It’s Ricky (Henrique), Dimi (Petratos) or whoever else is playing up front. Brandon Borrello, a young kid, is really looking good this pre-season. We just need to make it work.”
Broich says he’s getting close to full fitness after a knee complaint forced him to take a two-week break from training.
He said the FFA Cup round of 16 clash with Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium next Tuesday is something he’s looking forward to.
“There’s nothing like competitive games,” he said.
The Bear
Guest
Miller, Lustica, Sarota, McKay, Broich, Brattan.. Clut & Lambadaris (?) With an ageing Steffanuto, and fading "stars" of Jade North & Captain-Mediocre Smith filling prime roles at the back, I am surprised we've so much talent and money funnelled into the midfield. Perhaps if we can't change the backs, due to contractual obligations or otherwise, then we may as well strengthen the midfield. Perhaps we'll play 4-2 (Lustica & Brsttan) -3 (Sarota, McKay/Miller, Broich)-1 Wasted talent in the attacking department, wasting away on the bench though. One could be forgiven in thinking that the defenders are pricey in this league. It seems this team is unbalanced. No one to break up play in DCM, and I haven't a lot of confidence in the CB to nullify and coordinate at the back.
BrisbaneBhoy
Guest
RE: Broich comments, he is correct, no use pondering on the past. Here's hoping the new lad we signed as a replacement fills the void left by Berisha. If he works as hard as that of Berisha then he sbould settle in fine.
BrisbaneBhoy
Guest
RE: Sarota, IMO a rather odd signing. We have already plenty of depth in central midfield whereas we are lacking in depth in the full back department along with a striker or two. Now with that said, there is no denying Sorota's talent and he definitely improves our quality in central midfield, but just can't help but feel the money would have been better spent elsewhere.
The Bear
Guest
Sarota returns? Thoughts anyone??
Lionheart
Guest
We did ok when Bexar was out last season, we'll do ok without him this season.
The Bear
Guest
Legend.