Brisbane Roar coach Robbie Fowler had hoped for a big home crowd and to make a big statement on Friday night as he made his coaching debut against Melbourne Victory.
There was a feeling of change in the air at Suncorp Stadium, all but one of the Roar’s starting line-up were also making their debut in front of the home faithful.
Even the Roar dugout contributed to the feeling of a renewed side, with the home side switching its dugout to the right side of the stadium for the first time.
But the Suncorp debutante ball was spoiled by the Victory’s stoic defence and efficiency on the counter-attack, as the Roar failed to convert their dominance of possession and superior fitness into clear-cut chances.
Speaking at the post-match press conference Fowler said his side needed to start games with greater intensity to get results.
“The second half we’ve obviously dominated again, I think we just need to maybe start the game a little bit quicker,” he said.
“Regardless of what level you play football you can’t afford to give sloppy passes away, can’t afford to be chasing games all the time.”
Fowler said the round two bye was no excuse for the slow start but the new team still needed time to find its feet.
“It’s probably been a few games leading into the start of the season where we’ve been a little bit sloppy, but we will get it right, I’ve absolutely no doubt we will,” he said.
“We are a new team, we’re still gelling, but we are a good team.”
With the Roar struggling for goals early this season Fowler still saw encouraging signs in the team’s attacking performance.
“In terms of going forward, we will score goals. We’ve had two very, very good chances to Roy O’Donovan tonight, nine times out of ten Roy scores,” he said.
“We’re not a million miles away from where we need to be, or where we want to be.”
Fowler also backed Welsh forward Aaron Amadi-Holloway to make an impact as he returns to match fitness.
Amadi-Holloway provided plenty of attacking opportunities late on for the Roar as an aerial target after coming on for Brand Inman in the 76th minute.
“He can be a real handful, he’s actually good on the ball, he’s good in the air. He’s a real tower of strength,” Fowler said.
“We need to try and get him up to match fit as quick as possible and until he is we really can’t start him.”
The new-look Roar will need to find a way to gel quickly as they face a difficult trip to BankWest Stadium next week to face the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Feature image credit: Brisbane Roar
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