They’re firmly in the race for this season’s Isuzu UTE A-League Premiers Plate, but Western United head coach John Aloisi says the lure of the club’s first piece of silverware isn’t driving his team.
A 6-0 humbling of hapless Perth Glory in Launceston last Saturday has Western five points behind leaders and defending champions Melbourne City.
With City on AFC Champions League duty in Thailand, another win against Macarthur FC in Tasmania on Tuesday will have Aloisi’s team just two points behind in the Premiership race with a game in hand.
While that would set up a grandstand finish for the two clubs in the final weeks of the season, Aloisi insists his team are focused on the bigger picture.
“We’re not talking about that yet,” Aloisi said. “I know that’s one thing the media will talk about because it’s there but as a team and the playing group we’re just making sure we’re focused on each game.
“The next game is the most important, which is Macarthur, and we’ve got a bit of a break after that.
“We’re hoping – and we’ll do our best – if we perform well to get the result we want and then we’ve got three big games in the last weeks of the season.”
The comfortable victory margin over the Glory allowed Aloisi to give players an early mark as he used all five substitutes, ensuring his squad is fit and firing for the visit of the Bulls to UTAS Stadium.
Macarthur, meanwhile head south on the back of a 2-1 victory over Brisbane Roar, secured via Jake McGing’s 89th-minute winner against his former club.
That victory keeps Ante Milicic’s Macarthur inside the top six, but with Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners hot on their heels they need to continue picking up points.
“Macarthur are a tough team. Even when they’re not playing well, they seem to be able to get results,” Aloisi said.
“They’re coached very well by Ante Milicic so it’s going to be a tough game.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
