Tony Popovic is not concerned by Perth Glory’s recent slip up in form and is adamant the reigning Premiers will be a title threat at the business end of the season.
Although last week’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle Jets was Perth’s first league loss since November, Popovic’s side have posted just a single win from their previous five Hyundai A-League fixtures – against Wellington Phoenix (4-2) on February 2.
It is hardly title-winning nick from the WA club. But Popovic is not worried, and is quick to point out a rigorous travelling schedule that has seen Glory play three consecutive away matches in Japan, Brisbane and Newcastle over the past fortnight and a half.
Perth fell 1-0 in their AFC Champions League opener against FC Tokyo on February 18, before conceding a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Brisbane Roar on February 22, prior to their narrow 2-1 reverse in the Hunter Valley last Saturday.
“There’s not too much to worry about,” Popovic said.
“The key component is that we’re creating chances and when we’re doing that, we always feel that we can beat anyone.
“That hasn’t changed. The chances are still there.
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“Brisbane is a tough trip with the conditions and the heavy pitch and it’s the same in Newcastle.
“We dominated both matches in the first half against two in-form teams which shows how well we’re going, but I feel we didn’t get enough reward for those two games.
“So the football needs to continue and we just need to be a bit more clinical when we get those chances.”
Sunday’s match with Melbourne City represents a fantastic opportunity for Popovic’s men to recover the swagger that saw them win six straight matches over the December-January period, a run which started with a 3-0 win over Erick Mombaerts’ side at AAMI Park.
“When you look at it, it’s the business end of the season, Melbourne City is having a very good year and we’re right up there with them,” he said.
“They [City] have been around that second place all year. They have high expectations and so far this year, they’re managing those expectations very well.
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“We feel that Melbourne City has always been a good side and one that you have to be wary of and one that has some very dynamic, very good individuals.
“We’ve had two good matches against them, tough encounters and we expect this one to be no different.
“We’re at home where we haven’t been for quite a while, so we’re happy to be back in Perth and the players are really excited about this match.
“We’re very happy to be back at home and have our home support behind us, who have been deprived of football for a little while now.”
Perth will be bolstered by the return of Gregory Wuthrich for Sunday’s clash. The giant Swiss centre half has been immense for Glory throughout 19/20.
City have lost on nine of their previous 11 away ventures to HBF Park.
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