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Berisha braced for hostile Perth fans

3 October 2012

Brisbane Roar A-League Besart Berisha Perth Glory season opener

Hostile reception... Brisbane's Besart Berisha said he's looking forward to Roar's grand final rematch with Perth Glory. (Getty Images)

Besart Berisha said he expects nothing less than a hostile reception from Perth Glory fans when Brisbane Roar kicks off its A-League season with a grand final rematch against Glory this weekend.

Berisha's controversial last-minute spot kick which sealed the 2-1 win and back-to-back championships for Roar last season has not been forgotten by opposing fans.

And Brisbane's striker said he's prepared for a feisty crowd.

"I'd be more surprised if they love me," Berisha said.

"This is what I'm expecting. I am a passionate footballer, they are passionate supporters in Perth."

Perth has been talking up the emotion-charged clash, with goalkeeper Danny Vukovic saying Berisha is "going to cop it from the crowd" and admitting he is still uncertain whether the penalty should have been awarded.

The match-winning goal is also the centre-piece of a provocative Glory advertisement ahead of the new season.

Berisha said he's moved past the grand final drama but revealed he's ready for a bit of push and shove on the field.

"I've seen worse things in Europe so I'm prepared for that," he said.

"It's not easy for any team to lose a grand final, but for me, the grand final is over.

"Now it's a new season, a new game and I'm really looking forward to going to Perth and having a good game.

"This is football. It's a contact sport.

"But for me it's important to do your talking on the pitch, to be ready and not to talk off the pitch about your opponents."

Despite creating history by becoming the first club to secure successive A-League titles, Roar has escaped much of the spotlight in the pre-season with marquee recruits Alessandro Del Piero, Emile Heskey and Shinji Ono the centre of attention.

But Berisha said while having respect for the big names, Brisbane needs to channel its focus internally.

"Of course we know that a lot of good players like Del Piero and Heskey are here," he said.

"I have a lot of respect for Del Piero. As a European football player I know him very well and he is one of the best strikers in the world.

"But for us it's not important to focus on just one player, we need to look at our team and what we're doing, how we're training and prepare for our games."

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