Thanks, Popa. That’s the message from Western Sydney Wanderers fullback Jack Clisby ahead of the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League Finals Series.
In his first season under Tony Popovic, the fully committed fullback has played 24 of the Wanderers’ 27 games.
Red-hot Roar peaking for finals tilt: Maclaren
Wanderers’ warning to Premiers Sydney FC
“The coach has believed in me and he’s backed me,” said Clisby as his side began preparations for Friday’s sudden-death clash with Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
“I feel like I have developed over the year.
“I think [I’ve improved] both defensively and offensively and especially fitness-wise.
“I don’t think I could get up and down the line that frequently before.
“A lot of things off the field as well – professionalism, healthy eating – all that good discipline stuff.
“It really does have an effect on your fitness and frame of mind,” he said.
NO ROAR HOODOO FOR WANDERERS
Western Sydney head into Friday’s game on a six-match unbeaten streak.
But they’ve taken just two points from a possible nine this season from the Roar.
“I don’t think there’s particularly any issue,” said Clisby.
“At Spotless Stadium, we thoroughly dominated the game but we were struggling to score goals in that period of the season.
“The two performances away were actually good performances.
“We were unfortunate to lose one of those games in the end.
“Heading into this Friday, we’re ready to take on Brisbane,” warned Clisby.
STOP MACCA, STOP ROAR
The ginger fullback knows he and his fellow defenders will need to be at their best to contain joint Golden Boot winner Jamie Maclaren.
“We’ve played him a few times this season and we know how he likes to play,” said Clisby.
“Hopefully it’s something we can address in the changing room and make sure we try to limit him as much as possible,” he added.
