Roar marquee man Eric Bautheac wants to stay in A-League but doesn’t yet know new coach
Roar marquee man Eric Bautheac wants to stay in the A-League but he has plenty of clubs interested in his services. And there’s one big reason why he might be moving from Brisbane Roar.
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Roar marquee man Eric Bautheac wants to stay in the A-League next season, but admits his time in Brisbane could be coming to an end.
The French winger is off contract at the end of the season, and with the uncertainty over who will coach the Roar in the 2019-20 campaign, it has left Bautheac with little choice but to look elsewhere.
Since December’s resignation of John Aloisi, the Roar have been without a permanent coach, with Darren Davies filling the role in an interim capacity.
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Contenders for the permanent gig include Davies, Carl Robinson and favourite Robbie Fowler.
The club is expected to make a coaching announcement soon, but Bautheac — one of a host of Roar players whose contract expires in May — believes too much time has been taken to find the new mentor.
“I want to speak with the new coach … but we still don’t know the new coach,” Bautheac said.
“We don’t know the team for the next season.”
Bautheac had interest from American MLS teams New England Revolution, FC Cincinnati and Toronto FC in January, but said it was “hard” to move.
He admits he has spoken to rival A-League clubs about next season as well as teams in France, Spain Greece, Cyprus and Asia.
His preference is to remain in the A-League.
“I want to stay in Australia because I enjoy my life here,” Bautheac said.
“I love Brisbane, and my sons (Elio and Lino) and my wife (Ormella) enjoy it here too.
“But my wife isn’t scared to move to Melbourne, Sydney, Perth or anywhere in Australia.
“I need to be at a good team next season with a good coach.”
Bautheac said Davies had been doing a good job at the Roar despite the difficulties the club has had this season.
“It’s hard for Darren because he’s alone. He’s passionate and he’s a very good coach, but it’s hard for him,” Bautheac said.
It has also been tough on the players, with the Roar having won just three games heading into Friday night’s clash against Sydney FC at Suncorp Stadium.
“It’s hard. I’m a player, I’m a winner. I want to win every game. I want to win trophies,” Bautheac said.
“There has been no stability … but we have to stay professional.
“We play for Brisbane Roar, for the fans … the club pays the players for playing. We have to stay focused and we have to play well.”
The Roar will don their maroon kit for tonight’s “State of Origin” clash against the Sky Blues.
“We are representing Queensland. I’m happy to play in this jersey,” Bautheac said.
Originally published as Roar marquee man Eric Bautheac wants to stay in A-League but doesn’t yet know new coach
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