Roar looking for striker to challenge Berisha

Updated December 26, 2012 01:56:36

New Brisbane Roar coach Mike Mulvey will target a quality striker in January's transfer window to apply pressure on misfiring A-League golden boot Besart Berisha.

Berisha has endured a rare goal drought as the defending champions have fallen to second last on the ladder.

The high-profile striker has also been criticised by former Socceroos and Roar skipper Craig Moore for failing to make an impact.

The Albania international fluffed two clear-cut chances in the 1-0 loss to Perth Glory on Friday night and Brisbane desperately needs him to rediscover the spark and touch of last season when he scored a record 21 goals from 32 A-League matches.

While Berisha's hunger and work-rate remains high, Mulvey admitted his controversial marksman was suffering due to a lack of pressure from within.

"We need two players in every position pushing each other for that position," he said.

"Besart doesn't have someone breathing down his neck saying 'I'm ready to take your place'."

"If we can get competition for places it will keep everyone on their toes and we haven't quite got that."

"If you've got someone on your coat-tails who can play in your position it naturally gives you a bit of an edge."

Mulvey on Monday revealed he was looking "far and wide" to turn around the Roar's fortunes during next month's transfer window, which opens on January 1.

While Brisbane continue to dominate possession and create a host of chances, its lack of clinical finishing has cost the defending champion side dearly.

"There's priorities across the board but we would like another striker," he said. "Someone who would come in and add that little bit of quality to the squad.

"One thing I promised the Brisbane fans is that we're not going to die wondering. We're going to look for players."

The Roar currently have room for one more player in their 23-man contracted squad but disgruntled defender Matt Jurman and midfielder Erik Paartalu are also reportedly keen for a transfer next month.

Brisbane will be without rising full-back Jack Hingert (hip) for four to six weeks, putting Jurman in line for a return to the bench away to second-placed Adelaide on Boxing Day.

The Reds are coming off a 6-1 thumping by Western Sydney.

"They'll be hurting a bit but you know what? We're hurting just as much," Mulvey said.

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted December 24, 2012 20:24:53

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Berisha clear about winning penalty

Updated April 23, 2012 16:46:12

Besart Berisha has a clear conscience over the controversial penalty award that sealed Brisbane's second straight A-League title.

The Albanian striker, who took his goal tally for the season up to 21 with his grand final brace, said the challenge from Liam Miller was undoubtedly a penalty.

"I just saw again some pictures this morning and you can see clearly the touch from the Perth player and I lost my balance," Berisha said.

"It was clearly a penalty."

However unfairly, Berisha appears likely to be saddled with a reputation as a diver and he was at pains to point out this is the first time in his time in Australia he has been accused of simulation.

"I never made a penalty during the season," Berisha said. "I do not do that.

"You can see the touch from the defender and then I lost my balance. I am very happy the referee gives the penalty.

"If not for sure I would have hit the ball if I had not been out of my balance.

"This is the way it is in football. It is not easy to lose. I understand Perth is upset."

With regular penalty taker Henrique off the field, Berisha confidently stepped up to take the spot kick after seeing his team-mates seemed less keen to do so.

"I saw the boys they were looking who wanted to take it - I was looking for Henrique," Berisha said.

"I felt good. I felt confident after the first penalty. I was very glad.

"I missed a penalty in Melbourne. I feel very bad. I didn't want to miss again.

"I am so happy for the team. It's not about the penalty it's about the way we played all year."

Tags: sport, soccer, australia, qld, brisbane-4000

First posted April 23, 2012 15:29:55

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Roar drop Berisha appeal

Updated January 24, 2012 17:23:09

The unwanted distraction of an appeal trumped star Brisbane import Besart Berisha's desire to challenge a one A-League match code of conduct ban.

The competition's leading goal scorer will now miss Saturday night's clash with Newcastle at Lang Park following the club's decision to "move on".

Football Federation Australia hit the fiery Albanian striker with a one-game suspension after he challenged Sydney FC defender Pascal Bosschaart to a fight in the tunnel, the incident sparking an ugly melee involving players from both teams.

It is believed an angry Berisha, still upset over alleged offensive comments made by Bosschaart, was keen to challenge the ban but after lengthy talks accepted the club's decision to reluctantly let the issue rest.

Roar boss Michael Bowers said while the club had opted not to appeal they fully supported Berisha.

"Besart has been nothing short of outstanding for this club since his arrival, both on and off the field," Bowers said in a prepared statement.

"He has impressed everyone who has come in contact with him with his good natured demeanour and positive outlook.

"This past week has undoubtedly been a difficult one for Besart and as a club we have made the decision to (reluctantly) accept the ban, put the events behind us and move forward."

Bowers said the club and coach Ange Postecoglou had to weigh up the chances of winning an appeal against the disruption to preparations for the game against the Jets.

Postecoglou said during the week his players needed to rediscover the form they were in before last year's final series.

"We're not far off but we're not playing the same style of football yet," he said.

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted January 24, 2012 16:43:12

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Berisha saves draw for Roar

Updated January 22, 2012 00:43:30

Controversial Brisbane Roar striker Besart Berisha was the centre of attention once more, missing a penalty and then saving a point for his side against Melbourne Heart.

Berisha, the centre of a wild post-match melee last weekend, was only playing at AAMI Park under a technicality as the Roar consider appealing his one-match ban for challenging a Sydney FC rival to duel in the players' tunnel last weekend.

The Albanian who also scored the match-winner against Sydney netted a close-range header in the 69th minute from a neatly worked move that gave the Roar a deserved point, cancelling out Heart's first-half goal to Jonatan Germano.

Roar coach Ange Postecoglou afterwards bemoaned his side's recent tendency to surrender an early lead.

"Both teams had good attacking intent, both had chances. We thought we probably did enough to win the game, they probably feel the same," Postecoglou said.

"The worst thing is we're continually chasing games - that's probably our biggest downfall.

"Conceding that first goal which we're doing pretty regularly to be honest, is probably hurting us."

Berisha was at the centre of much of the action in a high-quality, end-to-end match in which both teams had stand-out players and excellent periods of dominance.

The Heart scored first with in the 31st minute.

Outstanding full-back Aziz Behich nutmegged an out of position Berisha and crossed for striker Alex Terra to scissor-kick towards goal.

Roar defender Said Mohamed Adnan blocked the ball, only for Germano to head home the rebound and give the home side the lead.

But the Roar dominated the majority of the half, and looked likely to equalise just eight minutes later when Germano turned villain and handballed from the Thomas Broich.

Berisha stepped up and blasted a woeful penalty over the bar.

Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton made two important saves prior to half-time from Broich and Adnan to keep his side in front.

Broich was again at the centre of the early second half action for Brisbane, and started the move which led to Berisha's deserved equaliser on 69 minutes.

The ball traversed Broich, James Meyer, Ivan Franjic and was then touched on by Mitch Nichols before Berisha got the last touch via his head to square things up.

The Heart then livened up late in the half and had several chances, but could not find a way past Bahraini international Adnan, who was wall-like in defence, despite some hairy moments when failing to clear.

Heart: 1 (J Germano 31')

Roar: 1 (B Berisha 69')

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer

First posted January 21, 2012 23:01:29

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Berisha affected by drama: Postecoglou

Updated January 22, 2012 12:19:30

Brisbane Roar striker Besart Berisha's hellish week has taken its emotional toll on the Albanian international.

So says Roar coach Ange Postecoglou, who has lamented the public outcry and penalty over Berisha sparking a post-match melee last week which earned him the ire of A-League officials.

Berisha hit back in style after his difficult week, saving his side with a second half equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

But he played the match with a one-game ban hanging over his head after challenging Sydney FC defender Pascal Bosschaart to a post-match fight in the tunnel the previous weekend.

Postecoglou admitted the ban threat and the publicity over the melee had affected Berisha, who missed a penalty during the Heart game before grabbing the equaliser.

"These guys are human beings. We just love hanging people. You can't make a mistake in today's society, people want their flesh and he's had a tough week," he said.

"He was pretty desperate to score and I think the way he took the penalty, he was taking out his frustrations.

"But that's the kind of guy he is. That's why we love him at our club, that's why the fans love him and he'll get through this period."

Heart coach John van 't Schip said the technicality in the rules which allowed Berisha to play on a seven-day stay of proceedings as Brisbane considered whether to appeal his ban was "part of the rules" and he and his club had to accept it.

"I don't think there is any use to comment on that, because those are the rules," he said.

"If the FFA says that he can play ... it's a rule, then we shouldn't complain."

Unusually subdued after the Roar's draw, Postecoglou was disappointed at his side having to again chase the game when it went a goal behind in the first half despite dominating.

But he does believe the Roar are showing signs of returning to their best, and expects better once those on the comeback trail from injury like midfielder Thomas Broich get more match fitness miles in their legs.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted January 22, 2012 12:19:30

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Berisha banned for one A-League match

Updated January 19, 2012 20:56:55

Brisbane Roar striker Besart Berisha may be pained by his last-match brain snap but he will have to wait another week to redeem himself after receiving a one-match suspension by Football Federation Australia on Thursday night.

The A-League's leading marksman sparked an ugly post-match melee against Sydney FC after a running battle with the Sky Blues' Pascal Bosschaart, Berisha ending the match with his shirt off and encouraging his opponent to join him to settle their disagreement outside the playing field.

Players from both sides then began a shoving match on the sidelines as officials attempted to separate the squads.

The FFA deemed Berisha's actions a breach of the national code of conduct and suspended him for one game with a one-match suspended sentence on top.

He was found to be in breach of three provisions of the code, the key ones relating to offensive behaviour/provocative gestures and provocation or incitement of hatred or violence.

The club has seven days in which to appeal.

Before the FFA denouement, Roar skipper Matt Smith said Berisha was feeling low and remorseful about his actions.

"He feels really down about what happened last week and that's certainly not his character," the captain said.

"He's the big friendly giant and the family man, that's probably he best way I can describe Bess."

Berisha, who scored nine goals in the first eight rounds before an eight-match drought, is keen to put his name back in lights but will not get the chance to do that against the Melbourne Heart on Saturday.

While Berisha, Ivan Franjic and Erik Paartalu refused to shake hands with Bosschaart before the match, Smith said he would want to see better sportsmanship in future.

Judging by the Roar's training formation on Thursday, classy German Thomas Broich looks set to start against the Heart who shot themselves in the foot with a 1-0 loss to Central Coast on Wednesday night.

Smith expected an extremely tough contest with the third-placed Heart wasting a perfect chance to draw level with the Roar on 28 points.

"They were certainly unlucky, they had their chances last night," he said.

Smith still believed there was enough time for the defending champions, with 10 matches left, to catch the red-hot Mariners (37 points).

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted January 19, 2012 20:30:27

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FFA delivers please explain to Berisha

Updated January 17, 2012 19:31:55

Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC have until Thursday afternoon to convince Football Federation Australia why they should not be fined for Saturday night's ugly A-League fracas.

The FFA on Tuesday also asked for a "please explain" from fiery Roar striker Besart Berisha who sparked the post-match melee at in Brisbane when he invited defender Pascal Bosschaart to the players' tunnel to settle their differences.

While the A-League's match review panel found they had no jurisdiction to rule it as a red card offence, Berisha could be suspended or fined for bringing the game into disrepute.

The FFA have listed three alleged code of conduct breaches made by the competition's leading goal-scorer relating to offensive and provocative behaviour.

While Bosschaart, who waged a running battle with Berisha during the match, was cleared, he will not line up for the Sky Blues against Perth Glory on Wednesday night due to an automatic one-game ban for his fifth yellow card of the season.

A furious Bosschaart was booked following Berisha's last-gasp goal which delivered the Roar a come-from-behind 2-1 victory.

After the final whistle, Berisha then took off his shirt and grabbed at the Dutchman's arm and motioned for him to join him in the tunnel.

The Albanian international was one of three Brisbane players - along with Erik Paartalu and Ivan Franjic - who failed to shake Bosschaart's hand before the game.

After the match, Paartalu said the defending champions were particularly unhappy with sledging during Sydney's 2-0 win over Brisbane at Kogarah on December 4.

The following day, Bosschaart was quick to deny he had said anything about Berisha's family.

While Brisbane started to assemble its defence on Tuesday afternoon, vice-captain Shane Stefanutto said he had no problem with team-mates failing to shake hands with Bosschaart before the fiery clash.

"That's another personal thing and another thing from individual bases," he said.

"As a vice-captain and as a leader in this group I say everyone is entitled to their own opinion and their own belief on what they want to do.

"As a team we're a tight-knit bunch, we're a strong bunch and we'll back each other up and that will not change for any situation."

Asked whether he thought the post-match scenes were a bad look for the game, Stefanutto said: "Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

"People say yes and people say no, it's all up to the individual on that point I think."

Stefanutto, who set up Berisha's match-winner, could wear the captain's armband on Saturday night when Brisbane meet third-placed Melbourne Heart with skipper Matt Smith carrying a corked thigh.

AAP

Tags: sport, soccer, a-league, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted January 17, 2012 18:07:03

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Berisha scare tempers Roar boost

Updated January 12, 2012 14:48:11

Brisbane Roar's long-awaited return of influential attacking duo Thomas Broich and Henrique has been tempered by an injury to leading A-League marksman Besart Berisha.

Berisha is in serious doubt for Saturday night's home clash with Sydney FC due to a calf problem which has kept him out of training this week.

The Albanian international remains hopeful of training on Friday to prove his fitness but Roar coach Ange Postecoglou has consistently taken a conservative approach to injuries.

As well as the A-League finals on the horizon in March, Brisbane start their Asian Champions League campaign on March 6 to make it a challenging end to the season when Postecoglou wants his key men 100 per cent.

If Berisha, who tops the competition's goal scoring list with nine, doesn't play on Saturday night it will be a bitter pill for the striker as he's been craving the return of German playmaker Broich (heel) and speedster Henrique (knee).

The creative Broich has missed the past eight matches, corresponding with an end to Brisbane's record 36-match unbeaten streak as well as a halt to Berisha's goal glut.

In that time, a frustrated Henrique has also been sorely missed as his last appearance was in the streak-ending 2-0 loss to Sydney on a windy day at Kogarah.

Both men trained impressively at Ballymore on Thursday morning and will be named in the Roar's squad, although Henrique is unsure whether they will start at Suncorp Stadium.

The nimble Brazilian, nicknamed "Slippery Fish", doesn't believe he has lost any of his trademark speed but is still lacking some fitness.

"I am here to help my team-mates so I'm good to go," he said.

"If they need me for the start I will be there to help."

Just one win in eight matches has seen the second-placed Roar slip eight points behind Central Coast.

But Henrique believes they are now well placed to finish the season strongly to defend their premiership and championship titles.

"We're a very strong team," he said.

"We showed this 18 months ago. This is a (challenging) moment but the moments will pass and the good moments will come.

"It's good for the team to have everyone good to go. It's not just me and Thomas."

In other positive injury news for the Roar, attacking midfielder James Meyer completed the bulk of training on Thursday to also be close to a return.

AAP

Tags: sport, a-league, soccer, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted January 12, 2012 13:05:46

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