Western United boss John Aloisi has challenged his side to build on their incredible come-from-behind win over Melbourne Victory, promising them three days off if they can beat Newcastle Jets.
Trailing their opponents 3-2 at the 90-minute mark, stoppage-time goals from Noah Botic and Hiroshi Ibusuki saw Western United record a memorable 4-3 win over their local rivals to send them in to fourth on the ladder.
Fast becoming the comeback kings of the Isuzu UTE A-League, Western United have now recorded five wins from their last six matches in the competition with Aloisi praising their never-say-die attitude.
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“Well, it’s not the first time we’ve done it this season,” said Aloisi when speaking to Paramount+ after the game.
“We came back from behind against Sydney to win it quite late on, and then again in Perth, as we all know, the overhead (kick), and then to do it against victory.
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“After the 12 days we’ve had – four games, traveling to Perth – I thought the second half that we were in pretty much control the game, and we’re pushing.
“When it went 3-3 the boys, they want to win, they don’t want to draw, they want to win.
He added: “And you could sense that they just kept on pushing and, you know, it’s a great way to win it. A lot of the boys had great games today.”
Western’s packed schedule has seen them play games against Brisbane Roar (W 1-0), Perth Glory (W 3-2), Melbourne City (L 2-0) and Melbourne Victory (W 4-3) in the space of 12 days.
Following this latest win, Aloisi was asked if he’d now look to give a few of his players a rest given their gruelling schedule.
“No, they can’t chill out,” laughed Aloisi when asked by A-Leagues legend Archie Thompson if he’d give his players some time off.
“So I’ll tell you the week (they have). They’ll get a rest tomorrow, most of them, some will play NPL and then they’ll have a day off midweek.
“And then, after the Newcastle game, if they win, they’ll get three days off! I’m giving them three days off after Newcastle.”
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Western now have a seven-day turnaround before facing the Jets at Ironbark Fields on January 17 before rounding out the month against reigning Champions Central Coast Mariners.
