Ian Ferguson believes in his team even if no one else gives them a chance.
Perth Glory will give Andrezinho until the last possible moment to prove his fitness ahead of Sunday-s Hyundai A-League Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium, said coach Ian Ferguson.
Ferguson, who is sweating on the fitness of the creative dynamo, admitted it was unlikely the Brazilian would play out the full 90 minutes, though the news was much more positive for former Manchester United man Liam Miller.
“He (Andrezinho) hasn-t trained all week and just arrived at the airport, but he will train tomorrow (Saturday) and we will give him as long as possible to get it right,” Ferguson said.
“I-m not sure on his fitness… even if he comes through the test, I-m not sure if he will be able to get through the 90 minutes.
“Liam Miller was more of a precautionary issue, his scans have come back well and he should be good to play the full 90 minutes.”
While injuries may have played their part playing two extra time games will have hardly helped the weary nature of some older legs in the Glory side, but Ferguson was adamant his players will be ready, despite playing for an extra 60 minutes over the last fortnight.
“It-s a cup final so I don-t think there will be any problems getting up for the match. It-s one of those once in a lifetime occasions and I know we-re ready for it.”
He also has a tough decision to make between Steven McGarry and Billy Mehmet, the manager indicating he was yet to make the call on who to start.
“It-s a tough one, we started the year with two strikers and that needed to be tweaked, since then I have gone with the 4-2-3-1 and been happy with that. Steven McGarry came in, in that number 10 role and performed very well and then Billy Mehmet came in when McGarry got injured and has played well.
“Unfortunately it-s a case of having three players for two spots and I have to make a tough decision to sit someone out, but that-s the job.”
While the Glory may be fit and ready, the question remains are they ready for a Roar side who have trounced them on two occasions this year?
Ferguson believes so, highlighting their 3-all draw, the fact his team have more to prove and that they can win their own individual battles.
“Nobody is giving us a chance, but nobody gave us a chance against Wellington. Nobody gave us a chance against Central Coast – everybody writes us off each week because allegedly Wellington and Central Coast play attractive football, well we got those results,” he said.
“I think we-re even more confident… you know, we have improved and even that 3-0 loss (at nib Stadium) it was just three individual errors and the Roar were clinical in their finishing.
“Then you look at the 3-3 draw, and some of their players said they were lucky to get a point and Ange was upset with the way they played, we know we can take the game to them.
“We-ve got to go out and have a go; we won-t be left wondering and won-t be parking the bus. We have to make sure we use our attack.”
“I-m big on individual battles and we have been working on what those individual battles will be, I-ve reiterated that everyone has to win their own individual battle for us to get the best result.”
One of the biggest battles the Glory have thought all year has been against Nike Golden Boot Winner Besart Berisha, who has poached four goals in three meetings, Ferguson believes the answer lies in cutting his supply off.
“You have to cut the supply to him, obviously with Berisha having scored four goals, the boys have got to be aware and focussed and one of the biggest battles is going to be for our back four to contain their attack.”
Containing the Roar-s relentless pressure and ability to score on the quick counter might just be the key to the grand final, if they do that, then they are indeed a huge chance of one more upset victory.
