Central Coast Mariners defender Pedj Bojic says midweek games in the AFC Champions League have helped bring the side back to their best form, just in time for the biggest games of the domestic season.
Central Coast Mariners defender Pedj Bojic says midweek games in the AFC Champions League have helped bring the side back to their best form, just in time for the biggest games of the domestic season.
Despite complaints from some that a fixtures pile-up at the business end of the season would urt the Mariners chances of winning some silverware, Bojic instead says those midweek games against the best teams in Asia have upped the side- intensity at just the right time, and boosted their confidence ahead of the major semi-final second leg against Brisbane Roar.
“The Asian games in between have helped us,” Bojic said. A” few months ago we went through a stage where our performances went down but the Champions League has brought us up to our best level. It brings the intensity back up.
"Playing in Asia is another level, international football-s always different and we-ve coped well with it.”
Many of the Mariners squad are quick to point out that the Premiers- Plate was their aim at the start of the season, and that a grand final win would be something for the fans to enjoy.
Bojic, in what has been his best season yet in a yellow and navy shirt, says the Mariners are full of confidence ahead of the crucial second leg, but aren-t about to throw everything at Brisbane to get a home final, knowing they have another chance in the qualification final against Either Perth or Wellington.
“We know what-s at stake but at the same time we know we can turn things around and we-re prepared for it. In the back of our minds we know there-s a second chance but everyone here would love to host a grand final and there would be an amazing atmosphere up at Bluetongue.
“We-re going to go and try and get that but not leave ourselves open for Brisbane to get a couple of goals against us.
“In the A-League - you plays teams so many times, now with Brisbane it-s six times a year! We know exactly what they-re about.
"I-ll be doing the same thing as always - try to get forward and get some balls into the area for our attack to get onto, and at the same time not get caught out at the back. It-s all about balance between the two fullbacks in our side.
“My aims this year were to get forward more and try to be more constructive and consistent in the final third with crosses, and I-ve done well there this year, with a couple of goals as well.
"The message in the dressing room before the game will be the same as every week: go out, play to our structure and believe we can get three points with a great performance. We-d rather play good football than play bad an win but this week-s a bit different. Belief is the most important thing.”