CENTRAL Coast striker Sasho Petrovski admits he is at odds with coach Lawrie McKinna’s conservative gameplan for the A-League major semi-final against Newcastle.
While the outspoken star wouldn’t dream of questioning the methods of the man who masterminded the Mariners’ minor premiership, Petrovski admits he may have to curb his all-out attacking instincts to fit in with the boss’ instructions.
Down 2-0 to Newcastle after the first leg and needing at least three goals to advance straight to the grand final, Mariners coach McKinna has resisted calling for his side to come out all guns blazing in the return leg and instead preached caution in the lengthy build up to the Bluetongue Stadium clash.
McKinna is well aware another goal to the Jets would virtually kill the tie and as such will be content with a 0-0 scoreline at halftime.
Petrovski, as you would expect from any straight-shooting striker worth his salt, believes differently.
"I prefer to try and rev everyone up and try to get out there and get an early goal. That way it settles things down a lot easier, puts (the Jets) under a lot of pressure and then we can build on that," said the twice-capped Socceroo forward and Sydney FC championship player.
"But the instructions are otherwise.
"I think the gaffer’s saying we’ve got to be a bit patient and try and not go for that early goal in case we open ourselves up and get caught on the break.
"He wants us to just sit back and be patient, and when the time’s right we’ll have the opportunities and the goals will come.
"It’ll probably be a little bit frustrating. I guess the longer the game goes on without a goal it will be frustrating for our strikers because obviously you’re not getting enough chances to put the ball in … and for Newcastle it would be a bit of a sigh of relief."
Not that Petrovski has any doubts over whether his side can turn the tables on their local rivals, steal the tie and avoid a preliminary final meeting with Queensland Roar.
The 32-year-old believes the Jets’ comfort in having a two-goal buffer could ultimately prove their downfall.
"I think they’re probably buzzing because they think the job is done, but I think it’s a dangerous postilion they’re in," Petrovski said.
"They might be a bit relaxed because they’ve got a two-goal buffer on us.
"But how many times have you seen in football when teams are cruising, two or three goals up at halftime, and in the second half they slacken off, concede goals and they end up losing.
"I think they’re going to play for a draw because that’s going to be good enough for them."
Mariners star John Aloisi is expected to start the game despite backing up from the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier but may struggle to pry the ball away from Petrovski’s hands if Central Coast win a penalty.
Aloisi, the scorer of the penalty which sealed Australia’s berth in the 2006 World Cup, missed from the spot in the first leg.
AAP
Source: Petrovski curbs killer instincts
