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Slow Roar A-League starts frustrate Aloisi

3 minute read

Brisbane coach John Aloisi is frustrated with his team's slow starts after conceding the first goal for the fifth time in their opening seven A-League games.

Roar coach JOHN ALOISI looks on during the round five A-League match between the Brisbane Roar and the Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
Roar coach JOHN ALOISI looks on during the round five A-League match between the Brisbane Roar and the Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Brisbane coach John Aloisi admits he's fed up with his slow-starting unit after slumping to ninth spot for the first time this A-League season.

The festive season might be coming but Aloisi has had little to cheer about after watching his side get soundly beaten 2-0 on Sunday by Newcastle.

"(There) would've been (something to cheer about) if we went a goal up when we had that (early) opportunity," Aloisi said.

Roar import Eric Bautheac missed a chance to score early but, for the second week in a row, Brisbane fell behind on a first-half injury-time goal.

And once they conceded a second in the 58th minute, the Roar had little left.

"Goals change games," Aloisi said.

"This is our seventh game now and, in five of them, we've been chasing. That goal didn't help us before halftime.

"I thought that we were pretty much in control at that moment there, then they caught us out and we should've defended it better."

The only time the Roar scored first this year was against Melbourne City in round five - the only game they won.

Every other match has been an uphill climb.

"Even though we're a good side and we know that we can come from behind - which we have on other occasions - you don't always want that pressure of the scoreboard," Aloisi said.

"To concede like we did just before halftime - and we did that last week as well in Adelaide - that was upsetting because we have to stay switched on."

However, while disappointed with his team's slow start, Aloisi insisted it was too early to be overly concerned about their position on the ladder.

The Roar were in the bottom four of the league for 23 of the opening 24 rounds last season before stealing sixth spot and playing in the finals.

"It can change very quickly. We know that," he said.

"We beat Melbourne City at home last game; we've got (Melbourne) Victory at home on Friday night; we know we're strong at home.

"We still believe in what we're doing and you can turn the corner very quickly. Am I worried? I'm not worried. Am I disappointed in the start? Yes."

Aloisi also confirmed Adam Taggart would start against Victory after a groin issue limited him to just the final 20 minutes against the Jets.

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