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EXCLUSIVE
Socceroos legend John Aloisi insists Western United’s upcoming clash against Brisbane Roar is ‘just another game’ – despite the fact he will coaching directly against his brother Ross.
The siblings will be in opposing dug outs at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Friday night, with family bragging rights on the line.
Both men have enjoyed fruitful careers in football, with John best known for his heroics from the penalty spot for Australia in the World Cup qualifying win over Uruguay back in 2005.
Ross Aloisi made his debut with Adelaide City in the now defunct National Soccer League as a 17-year-old, before later testing himself abroad in Europe with the likes of FC Aarau in Switzerland and Austrian club Grazer AK.
Socceroos legend John Aloisi insists Western United’s clash against Brisbane Roar is ‘just another game’ – despite the fact he will coaching directly against his brother Ross
Ross Aloisi took over as Brisbane Roar’s head coach in May, and has guided his team to second spot on the A-League ladder after seven matches
He then returned home to play in the A-League where his football journey began in Adelaide, before enjoying a stint with Wellington Phoenix.
Both men turned their attention to coaching after hanging up their boots, and John already has an A-League grand final triumph on his CV from last year, a 2-0 triumph over Melbourne City.
Meanwhile, Western United appear to be in for a long 90 minutes come Friday night.
Currently languishing in 12th spot on the A-League ladder, John Aloisi’s squad have lost six successive matches following a season opening win versus Melbourne City.
In contrast, Brisbane are flying, occupying second spot after seven rounds.
John Aloisi told Daily Mail Australia his older brother was a mentor and source of motivation as a teenager, with the pair growing up kicking countless footballs in the backyard of their Adelaide home.
‘Ross drove me to be better from a young age,’ he said.
‘I saw him playing for Australia [at under-17 level] and in the old National Soccer League and wanted to do the same.
John Aloisi is best known for his heroics from the penalty spot for Australia in the 2005 World Cup qualifying win over Uruguay (pictured)
He also won an A-League grand final with Western United in May of 2022 (pictured)
‘I’m not surprised to see him doing well with Brisbane, he has a great mix of youth and experience to call on…..and the [Roar] playing group have bought into how he wants to play.
‘In my eyes, it really is just another game [this Friday] when you take the sentiment out of it.
‘But in saying that, hopefully Ross isn’t smiling at fulltime on Friday night!
Aloisi also revealed it is unlikely the pair will enjoy a drink together in the sheds at fulltime – no matter the result.
‘Probably not, one of us will probably be feeling disappointed,’ he said.
‘My boys are not used to being at the foot of the ladder, but they remain upbeat and have trained well all week.
‘In this competition, it is very close, anyone can win on their day, so our focus is three points….from there we can build momentum and hopefully go on a winning run.’
