Central Coast Mariners midfielder, Tom Hiariej is enjoying his life on the Central Coast and is confident that if the Mariners stick to their guns, wins are just around the corner.
Four games in, the 29-year-old midfielder commented on the team’s ability to get off to a quick start having scored first on every occasion.
Against the Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers, Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory the Mariners have come flying out the blocks to score first but are yet to record their first win of the campaign.
“The first four games we have played very well,” Hiariej said. “We were a little bit unlucky in those games, in all of the four games we have been first to score, so I think we have to be clever if we score first, not to concede too easily.
“Maybe the final pass is not sharp enough, we have to be hungry for the goals, so that we can score more. Overall we played really well against Melbourne Victory, we played some good football, we were able to press them and we created a lot of chances,” Hiariej said.
"Confidence & belief hasn't wavered. We know that first win will come." Full press conference ? https://t.co/2Em1p6fYsG #ALeague pic.twitter.com/nWW6Pn1z0z
— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) October 30, 2017
As a defensive midfielder, Hiariej isn’t a regular goal scorer. In fact, he hasn’t scored since 2011 but the Dutchman has had some near misses this season and would love to feature on the scoresheet.
“In every game I’ve had a small chance to create or score a goal, I’m not really much of a goal scorer but yes I’m still waiting for my first goal,” Hiariej said.
Touching on the vibe in the change room, Hiariej says he couldn’t be happier on the sunny Central Coast which translates to on field performances.
So. Close. ? #ALeague pic.twitter.com/7o4al7PHE7
— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) October 31, 2017
“Yes, the team morale here on the Central Coast is very good,” Hiariej said. “We have a great group of players, and I think that is why we are performing because we are all on the same page.
“The life on the Central Coast is really good.
“The weather is perfect, the people are very nice, and me and my missus are settling in very well,” Hiariej said.
In round five, the Mariners face Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium and the former FC Groningen man says that if they stick to their guns a win is just around the corner.
AB ?️ "We all get along really well, we are all at one with each other.” @alanroc15 on #CCMFC team culture: https://t.co/7XlWOV378Y #ALeague pic.twitter.com/TYeGhs5k6F
— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) October 31, 2017
“If we continue to work as hard as we have been and if we can play with the ball like last game, I think we have a big chance to win against Brisbane, but I am certain we need to stick to our game plan,” Hiariej said.
“Getting our first three points and our first win is important of course.
“If you win a game, it will always give the whole team confidence and then you can look forward. We are still looking for our first win and I think that if we play football the way we have been we will win many games.
“We’re going to continue to work hard and hopefully get our first win on the weekend,” Hiariej said.
Match Details
Sunday, 5 November 2017
Hyundai A-League Round 5
Match: Brisbane Roar vs. Central Coast Mariners
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 5:00pm
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS AUSTRALIA
Hash-tag: Join the match conversation using #BRIvCCM & #CCMFC
