Tony Popovic says Western Sydney Wanderers FC have no intention of writing off the A-League season despite the Wanderers remaining rooted to the bottom of the table.
A 2-1 loss to City in their first match back following the break for the Asian Cup means last year’s beaten grand finalists are still winless in 2014-15, with just four points to show for 13 matches played.
But the man who guided the club to an historic AFC Champions League triumph just three months ago rejected suggestions he should already be planning for next season.
“I’ll never do that, this club would never do that and I’m sure the playing group would never do that either,” he said.
“If you look at the result, 13 games without a win, that doesn’t sit well.”
Pressed on whether or not he genuinely believes a top-six finish is still realistic, Popovic said: “For me yes. But, we also have to be realists.”
“That’s coming from a team that hasn’t won a game. We need to get the first three points. There’s still a lot to play for.”
On a happier note, the Wanderers were able to gather as a group on Saturday night to cheer on team-mates Matthew Spiranovic and Tomi Juric as they helped Australia beat South Korea 2-1 after extra-time in the Asian Cup final.
“Fantastic last night,” Popovic said.
“We stayed here at the hotel. Obviously we were cheering the Socceroos on. We have the champion Asian club in us and now we have the champion national team too, we should all be proud of that. Us as a club, we’re proud to have Spira and Tomi in there.”
