Central Coast coach Graham Arnold believes the best is yet to come for midfielder Patricio Perez who starred in the Mariners’ 1-0 victory against Wellington at Gosford on Sunday.
Perez was at his attacking best in the first half as the Mariners scored their second victory against Wellington this season.
With fellow midfielder and goalscorer Michael McGlinchey also in good form, the Mariners deserved the three points in front of 6844 fans at Bluetongue Stadium. It was a crucial result for Central Coast following the team’s 2-1 defeat against Melbourne Victory on New Year’s Eve.
“Patricio is a different style of player to anyone in Australia,” Arnold said.
“It takes time for him to adjust and for the team to adjust to him but he makes things happen. I was very happy with him and Mikey had another brilliant game.”
Arnold said the result gives the team great confidence heading in Wednesday night’s clash with Brisbane at Gosford.
“We’ve got a very tough one now but I think we’re ready,” Arnold said.
Wellington coach Ricki Herbert has not given up hope of a top six finish despite the defeat.
The Phoenix continue to struggle away from home with only one victory on the road this season.
They need to turn that around quickly to have any hope of contesting the finals for a second year in a row.
“We’ve still got our destiny in our own hands,” Herbert said.
