Western Sydney signing Nicolai Muller and his family accidentally became honorary members of the RBB when they stumbled into the march to Bankwest Stadium ahead of the Sydney Derby last Saturday night.
The German arrived in the country just a day before the game and was instantly introduced to the passionate fan base which he will hope to endear himself to with his on-field performances this season.
But the story of his pre-game antics will ensure he’s held in the highest regard by Wanderers fans before he’s even kicked a ball.
Hear from Muller on the crazy experience, plus why Josh Brillante’s beard is getting the chop, an explanation of Mark Babbel’s Wanderers tattoo and more in our wrap of action from around the grounds.
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‘This is like Germany, it’s unbelievable’: RBB march has Muller feeling at home
Nicolai Muller, his wife and two children are unlikely to forget their first experience at Wanderland.
And as the German midfielder told The Sydney Morning Herald, the pre-game atmosphere at the Sydney Derby reminded Muller of the Bundesliga crowds he played in front of back home.
“I said to my wife ‘this is like Germany’. It’s unbelievable,” Muller told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“It was amazing to walk with the fans – and then the game and the stadium, it was beautiful, amazing.
“In Germany, I can’t walk with the fans to the stadium – they’d take 1000 pictures… on Saturday, nothing. It was crazy,” Muller said.
Muller managed to go completely under the radar along the walk to Bankwest Stadium, a feat he says would never have occurred in Germany and is unlikely to happen again after Wanderers fans get a look at this video ahead of their clash with Brisbane this weekend.
Nicolai Muller's excited for #WSWvBRI tomorrow night! 😁🤣 #WSW pic.twitter.com/N7EN27VFIn
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) November 1, 2019
Josh Brillante shaves beard for ‘Movember’
We’ve all become accustomed to Melbourne City’s Josh Brillante’s glorious beard.
But those days are over, after Brillante took to Instagram yesterday to reveal the beard was getting the trim, and all for a good cause.
“Something is coming… #movember please donate for a special cause!” Brillante wrote as a caption to the video.
‘Movember’ lasts the entire month of November, with men around the country growing out their Mo’s to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s mental health.
And Brillante was quick to show off his startling new look.
Unfortunately for City, however, Brillante’s fresh trim puts an end to their debate with Perth Glory over who indeed has the best beard in Hyundai A-League history.
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) October 30, 2019
Babbel’s tattoo explained
Western Sydney coach Markus Babbel turned heads earlier this week revealing a large Wanderers tattoo down his left forearm.
After much discussion of exactly what the tattoo was meant to be the Wanderers confirmed it’s a crowned lion head sitting above the WSW lettering seen in the Western Sydney crest.
Early into his first season as Wanderers coach Babbel committed to the tattoo and one year later he’s followed through, and in some style.
No matter how long Babbel’s stint as Wanderers boss is he’s not likely to forget the club for the rest of his life, with their crest forever etched into his skin.
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SPOTTED‼️ Babbel and his @wswanderersfc tattoo have been seen together for the first time 👀 #ALeague pic.twitter.com/ob9OvCXl6y
— Fox Football (@FOXFOOTBALL) October 30, 2019
Adelaide enjoy a well-earned rest
Adelaide United have taken to Twitter to document the rigorous training regime they are undertaking ahead of their bye weekend in Round 4 of Hyundai A-League action.
Last week was a whirlwind for the Reds, who enjoyed an emphatic 4-0 win over Melbourne City in the FA Cup final before travelling to Newcastle to pull off a come-from-behind 2-1 win at McDonald Jones Stadium.
It’s safe to say Gertjan Verbeek’s side deserve a weekend off, but with so much more to play for when they return to action next weekend it’s unlikely they’ll be kicking their feet up for much longer.
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A live look at our @ALeague bye week this week.
JK – it's not actually LIVE. That would be a tremendous strain on the animator's wrist. pic.twitter.com/nCvL61mVAm
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 1, 2019
Merrick hits impressive coaching milestone
Ernie Merrick has been a staple of the Hyundai A-League since its inception, and when his Newcastle Jets outfit take on Sydney FC tonight Merrick will reach a major coaching milestone.
The clash at Leichhardt Oval will be his 300th as a coach in the Hyundai A-League, including 59 as Jets boss, 90 in charge of Wellington Phoenix and 151 games coaching Melbourne Victory.
After Newcastle’s first two games of the season garnered only one point Merrick will be determined to mark the milestone occasion with three points, to ensure he goes into his 301st game and beyond with his side well in finals contention.
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Tonight, Ernie Merrick will step out onto the sideline for @ALeague game number 3️⃣0️⃣0️⃣… what an achievement 👏 #MadeOfNewcastle pic.twitter.com/zxtEKHQAaq
— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) November 1, 2019