Western United striker Besart Berisha believes the team’s mini-break came at an ideal juncture in the season, and it has the Green and Black primed ahead of two massive games, starting with Sunday’s clash at GMHBA in Geelong.
The Green and Black had last weekend off from competitive football – its first bye of the season – but after a few days rest the squad has begun preparations for Sunday’s Round 15 clash, which doubles as a fundraiser for bushfire relief (see below).
United sit fifth on the ladder, but the resurgent Mariners (in 10th) are one win from the six and will provide another stiff test after their entertaining 3-2 win over Victory last week.
“I think the break has been very important. We went 13 games in a row and this little break was really important to freshen up and then keep going,” Berisha told www.wufc.com.au
“We trained really, really hard and had a tough month of training and games and it’s good that we have been able to freshen up and go again.”
Berisha joined United two weeks before the start of the season and after a lean spell in Japan – where he barely played in 2019 at Sanfrecce Hiroshima – the A-League legend was thrown into the fray last September with the Green and Black.
“I had no break at all. Straight away I was thrown into the games and it was good for me also. But now to freshen up and recover and go again, I’m looking forward to it.”
Sunday’s match will be a special event in the wake of the ongoing devastation wreaked by bushfires in Victoria and NSW.
Western United will make a donation on behalf of every member who attends on the day.
“We encourage everyone to head to GMHBA stadium as early as possible to come together as a community and show our support during this difficult time,” said club CEO Chris Pehlivanis.
“It’s time to unite for this worthy cause.”
A full rundown of the day’s itinerary will be here on www.wufc.com.au later this week.
The recognized charity partners Western United will be directing funds to are:
- The Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Appeal www.redcross.org.au
- Football for fire-affected Farmers, Families and their Communities https://www.ruralaid.org.au/football
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