Perth Glory manager Tony Popovic won’t be changing the way his side plays, saying his team is still a work in progress.
Speaking ahead of Perth’s trip to face Melbourne Victory in Round 2 of the Hyundai A-League, Popovic said he saw enough in last Sunday’s draw with Western Sydney Wanderers to suggest his side are building something special.
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“Moving forward from that game [Round 1], I don’t think it’s about changes, it’s just about us improving our game,” Popovic said.
“We showed good signs, especially in the first half and then we finished the game very strongly as well.
“So we just have to keep working and building. It’s a work in progress.
“Overall, it was quite pleasing for a first game, but of course it can get better and it will.”
The new Glory coach was quick to preach caution however as he comes up against old adversary Kevin Muscat.
Victory will also be looking for their first win after going down to Melbourne City 2-1 in the Derby.
“It’ll be difficult in Melbourne,” he said.
“I’m sure the crowd will get behind them, they are the champions and it’s up to us to find a way through them.
“But it’s a fixture that is quite an easy one to get up for. If you’re a footballer and you don’t feel you can enjoy this game or want to play in it, then I think there’s something wrong.
“We want to get out first win and they’ll want to get off the mark after what was a disappointing result for them in the derby.
“It’s a great challenge ahead.”
New recruit Jason Davidson echoed his manager’s sentiments, praising the team’s rock-solid structure.
“We as a team want to accomplish a lot and that continues this weekend against Victory,” Davidson said.
“From the team’s perspective, we’ve got a strong foundation after the opening game and I think we need to go into the fixture against the reigning champs with confidence.”
The defender has some extra motivation ahead of the game at AAMI Park as he returns to his hometown, in this his first season in the Hyundai A-League.
“On a personal level, it’s going to be amazing to finally play in Melbourne in front of so many friends and family,” he said.
