Vice-captain Shane Stefanutto has denied the winless Brisbane Roar are missing Besart Berisha and Ivan Franjic, claiming the A-League champions are as strong as ever.
The Roar have given up leads to stumble out of the blocks in their title defence, losing to both Adelaide United and Perth Glory.
And that places them under some pressure against Sydney FC on Friday night.
Brisbane haven’t lost three straight games since midway through the 2011-12 season while no team has won the competition after suffering two defeats to start the season.
But Stefanutto dismissed concerns they were struggling without striker Berisha, who has continued to thrive at Melbourne Victory, and Moscow-based Socceroos fullback Franjic.
“Looking at our squad I think it’s strong as it’s ever been,” the veteran defender said.
“We’ve never relied on individuals and you can’t afford to rely on individuals.
“I’m very proud that as a club we’ve got a system and a structure that we stick to year-in, year-out.
“That’s what will continue to make individuals successful.”
Berisha’s replacement at centre-forward, fellow Albanian Mensur Kurtishi, enjoyed early success with the opening goal against the Glory but doesn’t possess the same energy as the former Golden Boot winner.
Without Franjic, rising central defender James Donachie has endured teething problems at right fullback with two own goals – albeit with one coming through an unfortunate deflection.
Despite twice giving up early leads, coach Mike Mulvey vowed his team would maintain their “unwavering belief” in their attack-orientated system.
“Losses come along, that’s not going to affect me, it’s not going to affect the players,” said Mulvey, who will guide the Roar in his 50th match at the club.
“It’s going to affect the fans and it’s going to affect the media because there will be a frenzy.
“But the bottom line is we believe steadfastly in what we are doing and will continue to do so.”
Sydney FC counterpart Graham Arnold still believes the Roar are as strong as ever, rating the defending champions the competition benchmark.
“I analysed the Perth game last week and they are nearly back to where they where last year,” Arnold said.
“They still have Thomas Broich who is a fantastic footballer and one of the best to come to this country.”
Pumping up the encounter as a “State of Origin” clash that rivals the Sydney and Melbourne derbies for intensity, Mulvey admitted the Roar only held a slight advantage with the Sky Blues coming off Tuesday night’s 3-1 FFA Cup loss to Adelaide.
Steven Lustica and Dimitri Petratos look set to play in the Roar’s two attacking midfield roles with Adam Sarota (knee) sidelined, Matt McKay suspended and Liam Miller on the bench.
TK
Guest
Have just walked out of suncorp after the loss to sydney and my view has not changed...roar are currently suffering from no go forward. The obsession with playing balls to feet is making them predictable and the slow pace of their game is easy for opposition to smother. They need quicker ball movement and bslls into gaps in attack for players to run on to. I thought MM subs tonight were poor also. There's always mext week but tonights performance was bad the sydney keeper savef maybe one shot on goal each half. That shows how poor and ineffective the roar attack is.
TK
Guest
I agree.
Josh
Guest
I think I did have a pimple or 2, 20 years ago. The bandwagon wheels are coming loose after only 2 matches hey.
Steve
Guest
Leonardo, I am not so sure the Roar were unlucky. I just think Adelaide and Perth were the better teams and deserved their wins. The Roar just look off the pace already, only 2 games into the season. And their failure to renew and strengthen the team will plague them all season from what I can tell so far. I have watched every game so far this season and it seems that every other team has very much improved and the Roar have stood still, arguably even weakened.
Realfootball
Guest
Absolutely. It's been a great 4 seasons to now. Attending 3 Grand Finals in 4 years and seeing a win in all of them is unlikely to be repeated anytime soon.
Ian
Guest
i'll see what happens in the next few weeks to see if the Roar can get a few things clicking into place. there are definitely a few older players so there will be renewal required for sure. can't win trophies every year.
Realfootball
Guest
I don't know about you, Ian, but I don't hold out high hopes for this season. The standard of the other squads (Jets excepted, possibly) have strengthened considerably while Roar have weakened considerably. Loss of key players and ageing players another year older and slower. Major renewal required at the end of this season.
Ian
Guest
Astute comment Leonardo. Franjic may be a bigger loss long term. Roar have scored 3 goals so far - one a typical Roar goal from Kurtishi and a screamer from Henrique. The other a set piece. Roar defence needs improving
Ian
Guest
Pay no attention to Josh - he's a pimply faced Wanderers fan who thinks he is bada$$ who dislikes the Roar for having more trophies and actually winning grand finals. He's a troll too. P.S. Ange also spoke of an Origin rivalry between Roar and SFC
Realfootball
Guest
I and many other Roar supporters agree. There is great disappointment with Mulvey's recruiting. Personally I am expected a Sydney win tonight. Though I would be very happy to be wrong.
Leonardo
Roar Guru
Luckily they aren't as strong as ever. The A-League is a very even competition. Big losses Besart and Franjic. Mulvey is a very astute coach and they were unlucky not to get a result in their first 2 matches. They will start winning again, but hopefully not tonight, although Sydney has a very tough task with 3 matches in 6 days and both central defenders suspended for this. Hopefully we score more goals than them tonight, because their defence has been a bit shaky too.
Steve
Guest
I wish Mike Mulvey would put Stefanutto permanently on the bench too. That will certainly strengthen the Roar. The Roar will pay this season for a poor transfer window and failing to rejuvenate the squad.
TomCahill
Guest
Time will tell, great culture to stick by this no-nonsense and no excuses attitude within both the coaching staff and players.
TK
Guest
I see putting liam miller on the bench as a definite improvement in the side before the whistle is even blown. Looking forward to the match tonight after a cold beer at the Hotel LA after work and a bratwurst on the way down caxton st to suncorp. Cmon Brisbane!
Realfootball
Guest
Cut him some slack. He's just trying to pump up the game in a town where supporters have been well and truly deflated by losing the first two games.
Josh
Guest
There goes Mulvey again with the state of origin garbage. If Arnie wasn't around he'd get the golden mouth award this season, back to back for Mulvey.