Castro wants win over Sydney to kick-start Glory’s title defence

Diego Castro admits Perth Glory are not happy with their Hyundai A-League start but the Premiers’ captain insists a win over Sydney FC would ’recover the confidence.’

Tony Popovic’s men clash with the Champions on Saturday at 9.45pm AEDT for the first time since their crushing Grand Final defeat against the Sky Blues.

Glory have only recorded one win from their first five Hyundai A-League matches since that heart-breaking penalty shootout loss back in May.

Now the Premiers have tasted their first Hyundai A-League silverware, Castro says the standards in Western Australia are even higher.

“We are not happy to be in the sixth position,” said Castro.

“Especially what’s happened in the last year with how successful we’ve got.”

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Captain's Call…
Diego Castro discusses Saturday's clash with @SydneyFC.
View the full clip here: https://t.co/VHi7AExN1Z

🏟️ Glory v Sydney FC
🗓️ Saturday 23 Nov
⏰ 6:45pm
📍@hbfpark
🎟️ Tickets: https://t.co/iRyv2KzqIL @InceptionVideo @ALeague#PREMIERSvCHAMPIONS #OneGlory pic.twitter.com/3rIR7swrqn

— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) November 22, 2019

“But we know we’re making a lot of progress from the beginning but I don’t want to make that an excuse.

“I think we are working on the right path. You have a look every game, maybe we’re lacking consistency.”

“We want to fight for this important game, to recover the confidence, to be there with the best.”

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6102122040001

Popovic introduced eight new faces to the Premiers’ roster in the off-season and Castro feels the transition period is still ongoing.

For that same reason, the Spanish maestro insists the group are not looking back to the heartache of six months ago.

“It’s different. A different squad,” Castro said.

“You have to learn after you’ve lost a final in the way you make mistakes.

“You have to move on, look forward, new season, new players.

“Five games, we are starting not the best in terms of results but we are coming to get the potential.”

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Last season’s top scorers have taken the fewest shots in the 2019/20 competition. Castro has only one goal and one assist, and has been restricted to just three attempts on goal.

But the 37-year-old is less concerned about his own form and more concerned about getting his new teammates up to speed for a tilt at defending the Hyundai A-League Premiership.

“You have to deal with the frustration,” Castro added.

“In my personal case, I think I am learning too because you have to adapt to the new players.

“You have to do your best to accommodate the new system.

“I think as a player, I am always happy to face that new challenge.