Brisbane Roar CEO Kaz Patafta throws support behind under fire coach Ruben Zadkovich

After weeks of speculation and silence Brisbane Roar CEO Kaz Patafta has addressed under-fire coach Ruben Zadkovich’s status following a horror start to the A-League season.

They have zero wins from nine games and sit at the bottom of the ladder but Brisbane Roar CEO says there are no plans to axe coach Ruben Zadkovich.

Kaz Patafta said despite the equal worst start in the A-League’s men’s history, Zadkovich had the full support of the owners and management team.

“This is not a time for panic or change, the club has had plenty of change,” Patafta said.

“We must remain steadfast in our beliefs and our conviction to deliver sustained long-term success both on and off field.”

When Patafta took on the top job in July 2023 it was no secret the club was suffering from financial strain.

On-field and off-field dramas mean Brisbane Roar have not played finals football since the 2020/21 season.

With a renewed focus on the club’s’ financials and operations Patafta is confident the club will be able to turn it around.

“This is a time for togetherness, perseverance and hard work,” he said.

Ruben Zadkovich has the support of Brisbane Roar officials. Picture: Getty Images

“We are fully aware that we are at the very beginning of a long rebuilding phase for the club, this job was never going to be smooth sailing.

“Our owners and management understand the current state of our men’s football program and are fully aware that we have had an unfortunate run of results. But, this does not define us.

“Ruben has the club’s support to execute the rebuild this season, and we continue to support him and his staff to execute while working through a department rebuild.

“This was always going to be the toughest part of the process, to turn the men’s teams results around in the short term.”

One of Patafta’s missions when given the job was to rebuild Brisbane from the ground up and create a club that could maintain sustainable success.

Delivering that dream requires building a financially stable club and strong base of local talent.

“We remain positive, because we have a clear plan,” Patafta said.

“We are extremely committed to the longer term vision for the club both on and off the field in order to build sustainable football practices, processes and real infrastructure for Brisbane Roar.

“We are resolute in our vision of where the club is headed, and what is required.”

Kaz Patafta is committed to rebuilding Brisbane Roar.

Substantial cuts by the APL to the Central Distribution Fund forced the club’s rebuild plans to slow significantly. Funds were cut from $2 million to $530,000 this season.

“We have had to endure some major setbacks financially due to the much-publicised distribution cuts, and those financial cuts have definitely hindered the outcome of on-field results in this initial phase of the rebuild,” Patafta said.

“We are making progress in many other areas of our football club and know the men’s program will take time to shape.

“In order for us to progress the focus this season must be on the development of the club’s key young talent and assets and giving them time and the experience to adjust to the level of A-League men’s football while we continue to make key additions within our budget each window and continue to refresh the core playing group.”

The next transfer window is later in January and Patafta said the club would endeavour to bring in new talent but wouldn’t spend emotionally to chase short-term results.

He said while results hadn’t fallen their way there had still been a number of positives to take from the first nine rounds.

Thomas Waddingham celebrates scoring a goal for Brisbane Roar. Picture: Getty Images

These included the performances of key young players Thomas Waddingham, Jacob Brazette, Quinn Macnicoll and Lucas Herrington.

“But we must give the players and the staff the support and time required for it to take shape,” Patafta said.

“We understand there will be some short term pain and frustration this season for everyone involved, including our loyal fans and members.

“Other A-Leagues clubs have suffered at the bottom of the ladder before things turned around for the better. We are not excluded from similar treatment, as we too must work hard to improve every area of our club.

“We need to be realistically and accept our current position and continue to work together towards growth and improvement.

“We must embrace the hardships together.”

Originally published as Brisbane Roar CEO Kaz Patafta throws support behind under fire coach Ruben Zadkovich