Instead of throwing down the gauntlet, Brisbane coach John Aloisi has launched a charm offensive ahead of their A-League reunion with fiery ex-teammate Besart Berisha.
The ladder-leading Roar’s coach said they would not back down in a fight against lively striker Berisha in Friday night’s AAMI Park clash with Melbourne Victory.
But Aloisi was more content singing the former Roar talisman’s praises ahead of their first game this season against the stuttering Victory.
While the Victory have mustered just one win in their past seven games, Aloisi believed Berisha’s form was better than last season’s championship-winning effort.
“Besart is one of the best strikers that has been in the A-League,” he said.
“I actually think he is in better form this season than last season.
“People say Victory haven’t been going so well but he has been popping up and scoring important goals as he normally does.
“It’s a good challenge.”
The stage had been set for a controversial contest in the wake of Berisha’s exchange with Roar defender Daniel Bowles in the Victory’s 1-0 win last season at Suncorp Stadium.
Aloisi said they had not spoken about Berisha’s in-your-face approach but admitted defenders Jade North and Bowles knew what to expect from the Albanian international who left Brisbane in 2014.
“We haven’t spoken about it. We haven’t told them to get into Besart’s ear or stand up to him.
“But I don’t think our players back away anyway.
“They show when there is a fight on – as in a hard contest – they are there.
“I don’t expect them to back away if Besart is in their face – they know what to expect from Besart anyway.
“I am glad Bowlesy is looking forward to it.”
Roar marquee Thomas Broich on Thursday almost sounded sick of talking about Berisha.
“Still? It’s been two years now,” he laughed.
“But he is such a great competitor – he is in such great form.
“Playing them away from home is one of the biggest challenges you can face in the league.
“But we have won there before and we want to do it again.”
Aloisi passed Spanish import Corona fit after he battled in last round’s 0-0 draw in Wellington and included five-time title-winning ‘keeper Michael Theo on the bench after a lengthy injury.
The Victory have not lost to the Roar since the 2013-14 finals.
j binnie
Guest
Fadida and Lionheart -Thank you for the correction ,I hadn't noticed, but you got the meaning of what I was getting at. The game was all over after 30 minutes and,being so observant, you will notice who got the opening goals.??????Cheers jb
Lionheart
Guest
look at what sits next to B on your keyboard
Fadida
Guest
Bowles jb, Bowles. As in Stan Bowles. Who is this Vowles person to whom you always refer? :)
Lionheart
Guest
Breisha is still loved by many Roar fans, evidenced last game at Suncorp last season when he was cheered on by the crowd as much as the Roar team. Booed off of course, because of some arrogant moment, but that's normal. In his time at Roar I spoke to a number of fans who were pleased to see him go, but there are many more who love him and he will always be highly respected for his contribution at Roar. Of course the best ex Roar player Victory has is Kosta, and I agree with JB above, he's always the one to watch in any MV game. As an aside. Kosta being a Kiwi and all, I read in the NZ press, stuff.co.nz that the FFA are on the cup of announcing a ten year extension for Phoenix, awaiting space in diaries for the announcement, and also apparently the 'metrics' will be reviewed through the ten year period.
Ian
Guest
which Roar fans are doing what now Horto? Yes Broich is all class.Agreed.
j binnie
Guest
Berisha v North and Vowles?????,I think I'd be a wee bit more fearful of Barbaroussas v Steffanuto and Khalfalla v Hingert ,that's where I think the game could be decided. Cheers .jb
Horto Magiko
Roar Rookie
Yeah you wonder.., perhaps it's a case of 'don't rattle the cage'.. 'Keep the red rag away from the bull' type thing lol
Horto Magiko
Roar Rookie
"“Still? It’s been two years now,” he laughed." Ah, the man is all class that broich., a few roar fans should follow his lead ;)
AZ_RBB
Guest
Killing him with kindness hey?
Ian
Guest
Waz - for me - I found it hard to find a group of people at the Roar who didn't like him. I saw odds of 2.10 for Victory to win and 3.40 for Roar to win and 3.45 to draw. 4 pundits in the Courier Mail, 2 tipped Victory win and 2 tipped a draw. Victory generally get favouritism. Perhaps they will smash us.
Waz
Guest
While Berisha wasn't universally liked at Roar despite his obvious success he was universally respected because of his qualities; even on his belated return to Suncorp last season he didn't incur the often predictable boos former players often do. This season he has continued to perform and score even while Victory have been a little below par which is the mark of a quality striker. I don't think there's any argument the competitions two best strikers are both playing in Melbourne this season. Tonight's game matches Victory's make-shift defence against Roars make-shift attack. On paper at least Roar should be favourites as our replacements are all first teamers but I noticed the bookmakers have gone quite strongly for Victory which I think reflects two things - first is everyone is expecting Victory to come good anytime soon so why not tonight? and secondly bookies rarely offer decent odds on victory of late as they don't like the risk of losing their money lol. Hard to look beyond the draw here. Just hope tonight, and all this weekend actually, we're free from refereeing controversy and left talking only about the football.