A-League: New Western United signing Besart Berisha says he has nothing to prove
A-League great Besart Berisha says he wants to enjoy his final years in the game and believes he has come to the right club in new boys Western United.
A-League
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Besart Berisha has nothing to prove but declared that the A-League’s newest club does, as he prepares to lead club Western United into battle.
The A-League’s record goalscorer opted for the expansion club ahead of several other suitors, including Melbourne City, after a stint in Japan.
And at 34, Berisha believes he has plenty of good football left in him after signing a two-year deal.
Asked if he has a point to prove after a disappointing spell at Sanfrecce Hiroshima where he played just seven games, Berisha said: “No, no. Everybody knows me. Knows what I did, what I can do.”
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“People always, even (when) I played the best level here in Australia, always was something (negative) to say. It looks like some things never change about that — but I’m used to that, to prove people wrong.
“I’m going to work for this, I’ll focus on my job like I always did and focus to help my team and win games.”
Berisha — who had some stellar duels with Western Sydney in their debut seasons when he was a Brisbane Roar striker — said it was imperative the A-League’s 11th team makes a debut season impact.
“It’s really important for the club (to make an impact). It’s a new club, new challenge for everybody, new team,’’ he said.
“I’ll try with my experience everything to help. I want to have a good start and I hope we can build game by game good momentum — this is really important for a new season.
“Western United need a good start and I hope we get it. We are a hard working team and that’s what we want to show.”
The Albania and Kosovo international, who has acquired Australian citizenship, is one of the A-League’s visa greats, winning four titles in seven years with Roar and Melbourne Victory.
He said ambition was a key reason behind choosing United.
“When I had a talk with Mark (Rudan), I was sure I want to join this club. Mark wants to achieve things, be successful and that’s what I want. Especially the last years I can count in football,’’ Berisha said.
“I’m 34, and you want to try to get the best out of these years. If you play two, three or four years — you don’t know. But you want to enjoy.”
COACH
MARK RUDAN
Headhunted by the A-League expansion club after an impressive debut A-League season with Wellington Phoenix, which came after a long apprenticeship in the NSW state league.
GAME PLAN
While evolving his Wellington game plan from last season, Rudan will use it as a template, ensuring Western United are structured and physical. The midfield and front third will be fluid.
SQUAD LIST
1 Filip Kurto
2 Aaron Calver
3 Brendan Hamill
4 Andrew Durante
5 Dylan Pierias
6 Connor Chapman
7 Valentino Yuel
8 Panagiotis Kone
9 Apostolos Stamatelopoulos
10 Scott McDonald
11 Connor Pain
12 Dario Jertec
13 Ivan Vujica
14 Max Burgess
15 Jonathan Aspropotamitis
17 Joshua Cavallo
18 Besart Berisha
19 Josh Risdon
20 James Delianov
21 Sebastian Pasquali
22 Ersan Gülüm
23 Alessandro Diamanti
24 Thiel Iradukunda
TAB ODDS
Title: $17
Minor premiership: $21
Top 6: $2.50
THE X-FACTOR
ALESSANDRO DIAMANTI
The former Italy and West Ham attacker has the ability to turn a game off his own boot and will possess perhaps the most dangerous left foot in the A-League this season.
THE RISING STAR
SEBASTIAN PASQUALI
Returns to Australia after a stint with Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam. String technically, Pasquali offers midfield versatility and mobility.
STRONGEST XI
FORMATION: 3-5-2