Perth Glory coach Richard Garcia hopes the lure of returning home can help start a revival for his A-League Men side.
Perth haven’t played at home since the season opener against Adelaide in November but are expected to head back west when the border to Western Australia reopens on March 3.
Glory have set up base in Launceston and Garcia’s side got off to the perfect start in Tasmania with a comfortable 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar for just their third victory of the season on Sunday.
Perth host Macarthur on Wednesday before playing Western United on Sunday and Garcia wants the side to use the final two games in Tasmania as a springboard for their season.
“The border reopening has been a big boost for the group and everyone can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Garcia, whose side have seven points from their past four games.
“Before we knew the border was reopening we had the mindset that we were going to come here and have it as a home away from home and make sure we treat the game as if we were at HBF Park.
“We would expect to win games there and we’d try to be on the front foot.
“We’ve tried to approach both the games and training in that manner and that’s something we want to (continue to) do before we head home.”
Garcia said marquee signing Daniel Sturridge would be available for selection after making his return from COVID-19 in the win over Brisbane.
The Englishman got through 20 minutes from the bench but Garcia was mindful of rushing the ex-Liverpool and Chelsea striker back.
“He’s capable of 30 to 45 minutes or anywhere in that region,” Garcia said.
“It’s a matter of him building him back up to (be in a position) to start.
:We don’t want to bring him on just for the sake of it. We want to make sure the guys in there are balanced.
“It’s not about Daniel coming on, it’s about the balance of the game and what we do as a squad.”
