Acting Brisbane A-League Men coach Ruben Zadkovich is set to face Perth for the first time since his surprise resignation.
Returning to Western Australia a year after walking away, the former Socceroo is adamant he won't let himself get distracted when the Roar travel for Saturday's meeting at HBF Park.
"The focus is on us," Zadkovich said on Friday.
"My job at the moment in my role, first and foremost, is just to give stability to the group.
"They've been through a lot change ... but I'm also ambitious and I'm driven.
"I've been trying to impart as much as I can on the boys in a short period of time.
"Everything I do, I do with full force. We want to keep that momentum going."
Zadkovich played 13 games for the Glory from 2014 to 2016 before calling the shots as an assistant manager in 2020.
He was named interim head coach following the departure of Richard Garcia two years later.
Zadkovich then walked away after his first full season in charge when Perth finished the 2023/23 season ninth.
Just a month after becoming Brisbane's assistant coach at the start of 2024, the former Socceroo was elevated to head coach when Ben Cahn took indefinite medical leave.
Brisbane have since avoided defeat in the two games under the Sydney product, drawing 1-1 with league leaders Wellington and stunning Melbourne City 5-1.
Roar goalkeeper Macklin Freke says their recent form shows the players have full belief in their new coach.
"Ruben's come in and really provided stability that a lot of the boys and the club needed," Freke said on Friday.
"He's obviously an intense character but that's one of my favourite things about him as a coach.
"Everyone listens when he speaks. Everyone's dying to hear how they can improve and what he has to say next.
"He's been a great addition to the club and we're really excited to see how we keep progressing."
