Western Sydney goalkeeper Ante Covic has played down the spat between Shannon Cole and members of the RBB on New Year’s Day and insists the bond between the players and their fans is as strong as ever.
Cole became involved in a heated exchange with a few fans following the Wanderers 0-0 draw against Central Coast at Pirtek Stadium four days ago.
With the Wanderers still looking for a first win of the season after 11 matches, it appeared frustration is finally starting to catch up with everyone associated with the club.
But ex-Socceroos gloveman Covic believes the incident demonstrates how much the players are fighting to get out of their current situation and says the fans have a right to voice their thoughts on the team’s plight.
“I don’t think it was nasty at all,” Covic told reporters on Monday.
“I went and spoke to them, Shannon went over as well. Everyone wants to say there was a battle between us.
“But it was just the players being disappointed and the fans being disappointed.
“That is healthy because inside (the ground) and out on the playing field we are not happy with the situation.
“If people are happy with where we are sitting then there is something wrong.”
The Wanderers’ plight makes Tuesday’s clash with Melbourne Victory even more important if they are to save their season.
Victory are in a rut of their own, with two losses from their last three matches but possess a strikeforce with loads of firepower.
It will be a huge challenge for the confidence-sapped Wanderers, who haven’t managed a goal of their own in seven hours of action.
“In 18 years, I don’t think I’ve never won in the first 11 games,” said Covic, who rates this stretch as the worst run of results in his career.
“It’s not a position I want to be in but I know the character of this team and the coaches and we are not throwing in the towel and saying the season is over.
“We are creating chances and I am sure a few of those will start going in soon.”
