Roar coach Ruben Zadkovich remains confident despite Brisbane’s poor form

Despite his side’s dismal form, Brisbane coach Ruben Zadkovich is adamant the Roar’s fortunes will change for the better.

Embattled Brisbane coach Ruben Zadkovich is adamant the “tide will turn” for a struggling Roar side still chasing its first win of the A-League season.

The Roar are in last place on the table, having picked up just one point from a possible 18 in horror start to the club’s 2024-25 season.

Pressure is mounting on Zadkovich, who has guided Brisbane to just three wins from 19 games in all competitions since taking charge of the Roar in February.

Zadkovich hasn’t been helped by a tough schedule this season, however Brisbane’s next five opponents – Western Sydney, Perth Glory, Western United, Central Coast and Newcastle – are, similarly to Brisbane, sitting outside the top six.

And with three of those games being at home, the Roar must start winning matches if Zadkovich is to keep his job.

Roar coach Ruben Zadkovich is under pressure after his side’s poor start to the season. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Roar officials have remained silent on Zadkovich’s future, but there’s no doubt the former Perth coach has been told results must improve, particularly with club legend Besart Berisha – who has returned to live in Brisbane – having made no secret of his desire to coach an A-League club.

The Roar have also recently appointed foundation player Karl Dodd – a highly regarded mentor and former boss of Guam’s national team – as coach of the club’s NPL team.

“My belief never wavers ... the tide will turn,” a bullish Zadkovich said ahead of Brisbane’s visit to CommBank Stadium to meet the Wanderers on Saturday night.

“I’ve been in difficult circumstances, very similar to this ... at Perth Glory.

“Where we are right now is not where we’ll end up. We would like that change to happen quicker ... (but) unfortunately for us, we’ve got some individuals that are making crucial mistakes in moments, and it’s costing us goals, and that’s something that we’re looking to rectify.

“The responsibility’s on me, and I’m enjoying embracing the hardships of trying to keep this group together and the belief high, and continue the process of improvement.”