Western Sydney Wanderers know a blockbuster Finals Series clash with rivals Sydney FC is potentially 90 minutes away. But their focus is solely only on Friday night’s Elimination Final in Brisbane.
ONE STEP AT A TIME
“It’s always in the back of your mind – what could happen if you win and who you might play,” Wanderers coach Tony Popovic told reporters on Thursday.
“We’d be lying if we didn’t say that.
“Brisbane will be looking at it in the same way – if they win the match, they go to Melbourne.
“But ultimately it comes down to tomorrow.
“The season is on the line and if you lose, you don’t get that opportunity.
“If our minds drift tomorrow, that would be a mistake,” he said.
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BRISBANE AREN’T A TWO-MAN TEAM
When assessing Roar’s attacking threats, Jamie Maclaren and Brett Holman inevitably enter the discussion.
But “Popa” said they haven’t been the sole focus during his side’s analysis of Brisbane.
“[They’re] two very good players who are doing very well at this moment.
“But they’re a very good team all round – they have a very good balance.
“Those two players are excelling at the moment and I’m sure they’ll try and continue that.
“But it would be a mistake from us to just focus on those two players.
“If we do that, we’ll come out of the game not getting the result we want.
“We have to focus on our game, respect every one of their players and their football club, which we do.
“But we have a game plan and the players to execute it to win the match,” he said.
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CALM, COMPOSED WANDERERS
And the Wanderers mentor has declared his side ready for the challenge of mounting an assault on the Hyundai A-League championship from sixth spot.
“We’re ready, we’re calm, we’re composed,” he said.
“We don’t feel anxious at all going into this.
“We know we’re playing well. Critical moments change matches.
“We know we’ll get our opportunities and it’s up to us to take them,” he said.
