Wellington Phoenix produced arguably their best performance of the season against Sydney FC two weeks ago and defender Ben Sigmund wants to see more of that on Saturday afternoon when Perth Glory visit Westpac Stadium.
Wellington Phoenix produced arguably their best performance of the season against Sydney FC two weeks ago and defender Ben Sigmund wants to see more of that on Saturday afternoon when Perth Glory visit Westpac Stadium.
The Phoenix totally outplayed the Sky Blues and fully deserved their 2-1 win in week eight, a result which ended a run of two defeats at their home stadium.
But a disappointing 1-0 loss away to Melbourne Heart last weekend was a setback that cost the Phoenix a much-needed three points and Sigmund said it was vital they got back on track, particularly as the team faces three games in nine days.
“We’ve got to do what we did against Sydney. All 14 players – the subs and the starting XI – they all did their jobs and that’s what we’ve got to do again,” the New Zealand central defender said.
“We’re at home now. It’s really important and vital that we pick up these three points (on Saturday).”
Perth spent well during the off-season, signing amongst others Sigmund’s All Whites team-mate Shane Smeltz, former Phoenix goalkeeper Danny Vukovic, striker Billy Mehmet and defender Bas van den Brink.
They started the campaign strongly but have suffered injuries and a drop in form since, although they defeated Gold Coast United 2-0 last time out.
“They’ve got a pretty good squad,” said Sigmund. “Last year they were a bit light on numbers but this year (the group) they’ve got is pretty good.”
“They started well but they’ve dipped off. It’s a good time to hit them and get those three points.”
Sigmund is also looking forward to taking on his good friend Smeltz, who has scored three goals in five appearances against his old club since leaving Wellington in 2009.
“He’s wanting to score goals and I don’t want him to score the goals so it’s a pretty good rivalry isn’t it?” he joked.
“But off the field it’s always nice to catch up with him, say G’day and hear how the family is and what he’s been up to.”
But Sigmund is also acutely aware that focusing on the All Whites striker alone could result in the Phoenix being cruelly exposed at the back.
“They do tend to skip the midfield and go straight to Mehmet and Smeltzie so we’ll be looking for those and making sure they don’t put the ball in behind myself and (Andrew) Durante.”
“Jacob Burns in the middle of the park is always a threat. He’s good on the ball and looks to thread little passes through. But really you’ve just got to watch everyone.”
With a trip down south to Dunedin to take on Brisbane Roar looming in midweek then further travel to Melbourne to play Victory next weekend, coach Ricki Herbert admits he is going to have to manage his playing squad effectively.
Dani Sanchez had been in line for a start against Perth after impressing off the bench against the Heart, but he took a knock to his knee in training Friday and is now in doubt.
“We’ll see tomorrow (Saturday),” said Herbert. “He’s just a little bit ginger this morning. He did well yesterday in a training game. But if he’s right he’ll play.”
If he’s not, Mirjan Pavlovic could be in line for his first start of the season with Nicky Ward the most likely to make way as Herbert has indicated he will stick with Chris Greenacre and Paul Ifill, who has just signed a new two-year deal, up front.
