Roar kicks off its new A-League season under Rado Vidosic next weekend in a grand final replay against Perth Glory with Postecoglou having left to join Melbourne Victory.
The bulk of the squad that won the title in the past two seasons has stayed in Brisbane, and with Vidosic having been Postecoglou’s assistant at Roar, Erik Paartalu is confident the club can still be successful.
“The pressure is probably on us and obviously Rado because that’s how people view it,” the 26-year-old told AAP.
“Ange is a coach that transformed the club, he’s brought the club so much success but we were a big part of that and so was Rado.
“It’s two out of the three mathematically so hopefully we can still do it without him here. Within our four walls we still feel we can do that.”
Paartalu says not much has changed under Vidosic’s guidance as he tries to retain the culture and spirit that has won the past two A-League crowns.
The main challenge has been an emphasis on players making more snap decisions on the field whereas player roles were tighter controlled under Postecoglou.
Paartalu says the adjustment to greater creative freedom has been behind mixed pre-season results but he’s confident the team will get things right when it matters.
“I think it’s a bit of a transition phase in terms of getting the boys ready to think for themselves and be involved in the thought-making process out there on the pitch,” he said.
Paartalu’s own off-season was disrupted by the possibility of a move to the Middle East with UAE side Baniyas.
While that move didn’t eventuate, Paartalu is not ruling out a move overseas if a new offer comes up.
“My job is here at Brisbane Roar for the next season but obviously if anything comes up we will look at it,” he said.
“To develop my game further I do want to play overseas, I’ve made that pretty clear with everyone and particularly the coaching staff here.
“I do want to be a part of the Socceroos set up and I think it’s pretty clear at the moment you’ve got to be overseas to be getting a call-up.”
