Reddy: Defending from the front key for Glory against City

Perth Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy is aiming for a hat-trick of clean sheets against Melbourne City on Sunday but he admits he can’t shut them out on his own.

The Glory can recapture second position on the Hyundai A-League table with a win against City at HBF Park in the first clash between the sides on the Glory’s home patch this campaign.

The match looms as crucial for the Glory after they spurned the chance to make up ground on league-leaders Sydney FC last round following an unexpected 2-1 defeat to Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium.

That result ended the Glory’s 10-match unbeaten run, but there are also some worrying signs beneath the surface for the defending Premiers of late with just one win in their past five outings.

However, veteran gloveman Reddy says the Glory are ready to bounce back to their best against Erick Mombaerts’ City outfit in a match that will be billed as a ‘six-pointer’ for both sides.

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“I think it’s definitely a big game but we are used to playing in big games now,” Reddy told a-league.com.au.

“We know teams lift to play against us and Melbourne City will lift as well because they know they will have to be good to beat us.

He added: “Obviously we were disappointed with the result [against Newcastle] but we did a video analysis of the game and it was a really good performance.

“It will show up as a loss that but we created some really good chances and if we play like that again I’m sure results will continue to go our way.”

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6126453687001

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Glory are the only club that City’s star-studded attacking lineup, including Socceroos striker Jamie Maclaren, have not scored against this season.

Tony Popovic’s men won their first meeting 3-0 in December at AAMI Park before a goalless draw in January at the same venue.

Despite making telling saves in those clashes, Reddy said he believes his side has the right approach to again shutting down City and the responsibility doesn’t fall exclusively on him and the backline.

“We try to start nice and compact and we don’t defend as a back three or a back five but we defend as a team from the front,” he said.

“That starts with Bruno [Fornaroli] and Joel [Chianese], at the moment, with Diego [Castro] up front.

“That is something we’ve worked on this week and hopefully we can continue to do that well and hopefully we can keep that run going.

He added: “Of course, a clean sheet would be handy on Sunday but I’m sure the boys will also create chances and take them.”

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Now 38-years-old, Reddy’s performances this year have been amongst the best in the competition – playing every minute of the Hyundai A-League season to date to post 40 saves and six clean sheets.

And despite a professional career that began 20 years ago in the National Soccer League with Parramatta Power, Reddy says has no intention of hanging up his gloves when his current contract with the Glory concludes at the end of next season.

“The future is something you always think about and I am in the process now of getting my coaching badges,” he said.

“But my body is really good and I feel like I am in better shape now than I was 10 years ago. So as long as I love turning up to training every day and playing games I want to keep playing.

“I definitely aim to continue playing after this current deal finishes and I want to play into my forties.”

Liam Reddy

To that end, Glory fans can rest assured he is loving life in the Western Australian capital after recently posting his 100th game for the club.

“I’ve played for a couple of clubs and this is the first time I’ve played 100 games for a club. It is definitely something special and I don’t think too many players have done it [at the Glory],” Reddy said.

He added: “Obviously it’s a good fit for me being over here and I really enjoy my football here. I only came here on a one year deal and it was a big move to bring the family over but we’ve really embraced it and love living here.”

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Round 22

Perth Glory vs Melbourne City
Sunday, 8 March 2020
Kick off: 3.00pm (Local), 6.00pm (AEDT)
Venue: HBF Park 
Broadcast: FOX Sports
Stream: MyFootball App, Kayo Sports

Click here to buy tickets

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