Alen Stajcic is ready to kick off his tenure as head coach of the Western Sydney Wanderers with his first Isuzu UTE A-League clash this Saturday against the club’s cross-town rivals.
Limited tickets remain to the Sydney Derby. Get your tickets here.
Stajcic, who previously led Perth Glory, is now back in familiar territory with the Wanderers bringing fresh energy and a renewed sense of purpose to Western Sydney.
The Wanderers boss spoke to the media ahead of the season opener Sydney Derby and said he was excited about the potential within his squad.
“My expectation is to win the competition,” he told reporters confidently.
“There’s enough talent in this group to compete with anyone, and we’ve got a growing belief within the team. Momentum and confidence can make all the difference, and I feel like we’ve got both building at the right time.”
Drawing from past experiences in the A-League, Stajcic highlighted how quickly a team can transform with the right rhythm.
“We saw it last year with the Central Coast Mariners—they found their groove and carried that confidence through the season. I believe we have the quality to do the same and make a strong case for winning the title.”
The Mata Effect: A Key Piece of the Puzzle
One player central to the Wanderers ambitions this season is none other than Spaniard Juan Mata.
The World Cup and Champions League winner, who recently joined on a one-year deal after his stint in Japan, brings invaluable experience.
While Stajcic was tight-lipped about whether Mata would start in the highly anticipated Sydney Derby, he emphasized the Spaniard’s impact on the squad.
“He’s going to be an important piece of the puzzle,” said Stajcic.
“Whether that’s for 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or the full 90, he’ll play a key role in this team. Even at this early stage, he’s exceeded expectations with his influence both on and off the field.”
A Fresh Start and Big Ambitions
Stajcic’s time with Perth Glory came with significant challenges, as the club navigated difficulties throughout the season. However, those hurdles have only strengthened his resolve.
“I’m full of energy heading into this campaign,” Stajcic shared.
“This feels like a fresh start – not just for me, but for the entire club.”
This season marks the 20th season of the domestic domestic with Stajcic reflecting on the renewed energy surrounding football in Australia.
“Watching the A-Leagues 20th Anniversary video gave me goosebumps. After a few tough years, I really feel there’s a new buzz around the community. The fact that the Sydney Derby is nearly sold out with just a few days to go says everything about the excitement that’s building,” said Stajcic.
Stajcic believes the Wanderers are perfectly positioned to lead the charge this season.
“I expect big things—not just from the team, but from football in general. There’s so much untapped potential in this sport, and I want the Wanderers to be at the forefront of this new era.”
Sydney Derby
Saturday 19 October 2024, 7:35pm
CommBank Stadium
Limited tickets remain to the Sydney Derby. Get your tickets here.
