Western Sydney coach Tony Popovic is adamant complacency will not be an issue after his side consolidated second spot with a 1-0 victory over Perth Glory.
Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic is adamant complacency will not be an issue after his side consolidated second spot in the A-League with a 1-0 victory over Perth Glory.
The competition newcomers extended their winning streak to a remarkable seven games with a hard-fought win over a fired-up Glory in wet and windy conditions at Parramatta Stadium.
After the match, a proud Popovic revealed he would celebrate his side’s win with “a glass of wine” but said his players were far from finished this season.
“We’ve won seven straight so if that (complacency) was a problem it would have come up before,” Popovic said.
“The players are very grounded and they want to improve, they want to get better and they want more, so they’re very hungry.
“That doesn’t guarantee you a win or guarantee you the next result, but it guarantees that the players will be level headed and the players will do their upmost in their preparation to be ready for their next game.”
The Wanderers were not at their fluent best but found a way to win, with Aaron Mooy’s deflected goal in the 58th minute the difference between the teams.
“The conditions didn’t help and it was difficult at times playing out there for both teams but it’s pleasing to get the points in such tough conditions and against a side that’s improved and came here trying to get a point,” Popovic said.
“But they’re the important ones to win when things aren’t quite going your way.
“They defended well, they did well in numbers and we probably weren’t as fluent in possession of the ball.
“When we did move it quickly I thought we had some great passages of play but that wasn’t frequent enough.
“But we persisted and kept trying to play the way we can and in the end, of course it was a deflection, but it was good lead-up play and sometimes you get the luck you deserve after good play.”
The win momentarily moved the Wanderers to the top of the table but Central Coast reclaimed first spot immediately with a 6-2 demolition of Melbourne Victory.
The Wanderers will travel up the F3 to Gosford next Saturday night in a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash.
“I’m just happy with this win and then tomorrow morning we’ll certainly start thinking of this week and Central Coast which is a big game,” Popovic said.
“I think the players have earned the right to play in a big game, they’re looking forward to it and everyone at the club is and I’m sure our fans will enjoy another great away trip.
“I’ve got to mention the fans again because everyone knew what the weather would be like and when you see those numbers come out to support the team, it is something unique and it is something special that we’re building here and they play a big part.
“I’m really pleased because they’ll go home wet but they’ll go home happy.”
