Denmark goalkeeping great Thomas Sorensen believes Brisbane boss Michael Valkanis has added a ruthless approach to his coaching style, and it’s a character trait that’s getting the best out of his side.
Despite suffering just their second loss of the campaign against Macarthur Bulls in Round 9, the Roar still remain third on the Isuzu UTE A-League ladder with 15 points to their name.
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The big talking point out of that 2-1 loss to the Bulls has centred around Valkanis’ comments about the lack of VAR support he believes his side has failed to receive this season, especially in light of the fact Brisbane conceded two penalties to lose the game.
No stranger to an entertaining press conference this season, Valkanis subsequently reeled off a long list of decisions he felt went against Brisbane Roar when speaking to journalists after the game, and it was a hot topic on this week’s episode of the A-Leagues Download.
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“He definitely had a different approach when he was at Melbourne City,” said Sorensen, who played under Valkanis during his time at Melbourne City.
“But he’s always had that passion. He had some loud words when I was there as well.
“I think he’s been to Europe and he’s learned to be ruthless.
He continued: “I respect the coach that comes into a situation and doesn’t just try (and say) ‘I need to play this way, (but) actually, what do I need to do to make this successful?
“Brisbane haven’t been successful for a while. So he’s come in (and said) we need to toughen up, we need to to work hard, we need to be hard to beat and then, you know, it’s not too bad if the world is against us as well.
“Then we can get the group together and and work for a bigger cause and I think that’s what he’s trying to create there. Good on him!”
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Whilst expressing his disappointment Valkanis didn’t provide more press conference gold when it comes to comparisons with the A-Leagues and Greek mythology, Melbourne Victory legend Archie Thompson believes there’s also another angle to the Brisbane boss’ VAR discussion.
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“He’s also now putting it out there (so) that the referees will probably be a bit more ‘oh we’re up against Brisbane now,” said Thompson. “Valkanis is going to probably give us some Greek mythology, or he’s going to give us some VAR story!
“But now the referees are, in their mind, going, okay, maybe we should (take a look at VAR). So he’s putting that little seed of doubt in the referee’s mind, as you do as a coach, to try to give your team some kind of advantage.”
To hear more on Michael Valkanis’ antics, Sydney FC star Joe Lolley’s injury and Melbourne Victory’s revival – check out this week’s episode of the A-Leagues Download below.
