Robbie Fowler says he isn’t feeling any pressure despite not tasting a win in any of his first three A-League matches as Brisbane Roar coach.
Brisbane coach Robbie Fowler has scoffed at the suggestion pressure is building on him because the Roar are without a win after three A-League games.
His side created more chances away to early season pacesetters Western Sydney on Saturday, but had to settle for a goalless draw.
It followed a first-round draw away to Perth and a 1-0 home loss to Melbourne Victory.
Asked after the Wanderers game if being winless was becoming a monkey on his back Fowler fired back: “not a chance, no. I think you’re a bit harsh in terms of the question.
“We’ve probably dominated three games that we should have won. Am I worried? Not a chance, no.
“I think we’ve shown the way we play that we will win games.
‘”You want to get off the mark and running, get wins, early doors.
“We’re not doing that, but we’ve lost one game in the four months I’ve been here, in a penalty shootout.
“We’re putting in good performances, we’re just not getting a little bit of luck.
“If you look at the performances we’ve had this season (compared) to what Brisbane Roar had last year, it’s chalk and cheese, it’s night and day
“We’re a much better team.”
Roar have scored just once in three A-League games this season.
Roy O’Donovan netted in round one , but the Irishman missed some good chances on Saturday.
“Like any striker you probably need one to come off your backside, come off your knee, or anything,” Fowler said.
“I said to Roy in the dressing room I thought he was very very good today, he put in a great shift.
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“He held the ball up well, he’s getting into goalscoring positions.
“He’s proven over time in the A-League he can score goals and he will score goals there’s no doubt about that.”
Fowler’s Wanderers counterpart and former Liverpool teammate Markus Babbel was equally supportive of his main import striker and German compatriot Alex Meier.
The 196cm striker, who has has scored once in four games, also missed some good chances on Saturday.
“It’s important he’s in the right position, and of course a striker is always frustrated if he’s not scoring, but that will come,” Babbel said.
“He’s a big fellow he’s not 100 per cent fit and if you see his work rate, it’s fantastic.”
He hoped a calf injury to his Swiss international midfielder Pirmin Schwegler wasn’t serious.
Babbel was pleased with the half hour debut performance off the bench of German international Nicolai Muller, but wanted his side to reduce the amount of tactical errors they were making.
SweatyProp
Roar Rookie
Roar certainly have dominated for extended periods, but not so much in front third of pitch. They are yet to convert well earned pressure into goals. Some mid-field play is looking pretty cohesive, but they can tend to get "process bound" and lose attacking spark. Brisbane need to be using more younger players, as heat of summer will take its toll and they will be required. O'Donovan needs more support and cannot be the sole goal getter. More alternatives up front required. Other clubs are really seeing some benefit from young players coming through academies the Roar should not be left behind. Being winless invokes unhelpful pressure.
TheVolley
Guest
It is harsh to suggest Fowler is under pressure. New coach, new team, new style of football. Overall the past 3 matches were not bad. Looking at the fixtures Roar had to play against the toughest teams so far. Roar simply didn't score goals and perhaps had good chances to score. Im sure the club will grant Fowler time this season but Roy O'Donovan needs to start putting away his chances.