Head coach Markus Babbel has backed his young guns to get the job done as the Wanderers look to book their place in their third straight FFA Cup Semi Final.
Head coach Markus Babbel has backed his young guns to get the job done as the Wanderers look to book their place in their third straight FFA Cup Semi Final.
In what is becoming a bit of a Cup tradition, tonight’s fixture will be the third time that the Wanderers and City have squared off in the FFA Cup.
The battles between the two sides have always produced plenty of action and goals.
“We are a bit unlucky with injuries, but on the other side it is a great chance for the (younger) players,” said Babbel.
“It is the reason you have a squad, it gives them the chance to show what they can do.
“I hope we can bring the right energy to the pitch as we know it (City) is a difficult side to play. We try to come to the next round (the Semi Final).”
Babbel said he has been delighted by the progress of the younger players this season.
“To be fair, if I remember last year, they have improved a lot now. I was not happy last season, but they are definitely a winner and have improved a lot,” said Babbel.
“They are so much better and I am talking about proper Hyundai A-league players and this is what I expect.
“This is a big opportunity for them to play in the first team. We are the club with the biggest chance (for young players. It does not matter to me if they are 17-years-old or 34 … for me, only the performance is important.”
There is plenty at stake for the Wanderers in tonight’s match against City with Babbel calling on Wanderers members and fans to get behind the team.
“I’m still surprised because this is a fantastic competition, but here in Australia the mentality is not right,” he said.
“The people are not so excited about this competition. I think it is fantastic and for us it is a great chance to be in the Semi Final.
“Last season we were in the semi-final against Sydney in the derby in Penrith and it was a fantastic atmosphere.”
