The Western Sydney Wanderers are stepping into the 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League season with a mix of determination and unfinished business.
After an unbeaten streak at the end of last season and heartbreaking exit in the Elimination Finals, the squad is determined to turn last year’s near-misses into this season’s victories.
With a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, the Wanderers have reshaped their squad over the off-season.
The departures of key players have been balanced by experienced recruits who have tasted championship glory, providing both leadership and confidence to the younger members of the squad.
The sense of unfinished business is palpable, and the team is eager to prove it can go all the way.
That challenge begins immediately, with the Wanderers opening the season against Melbourne City, last season’s A-League Champions. Anthony Pantazopolous says there couldn’t be a better way to test themselves and set the tone for the year ahead.
“I don’t think there’s a better game to start off with, to be honest,” said Pantazopolous.
“We want to test ourselves against the best from last year. I feel like we have a lot of unfinished business. The way we ended the season was unbelievable, and to go out in the elimination finals left a little fire in the belly.
“To get the Champions first round is exactly what we want.”
That fire isn’t just about the team, it’s personal too. With Pantazopolous saying that the sting of last season’s Elimination Final has been a constant motivator throughout the pre-season.
“It’s something I don’t think I’ll ever leave behind. It’s been mentioned a lot in preseason. We are still hurting from that because we felt like we were right there, ready to create something really special,” explained Pantazopolous.
“That’s going to drive us this year and help us go that one step further.”
The squad’s blend of youth and experience is something Pantazopolous leans on heavily.
“The squad is coming together extremely well,” said Pantazopolous.
“We’ve got people that have won the league, won championships, and I think that’s what we were lacking a little bit last year in those big games.
“Definitely us younger ones are going to lean on them in big moments because they’ve been there and done that.”
For Pantazopolous personally, the last couple of seasons have been a journey of growth, moving from the NPL into the A-League and steadily establishing himself as a leader on and off the pitch.
“Coming from NPL, stepping up to the A-League was a big jump. It was a bit of a struggle in the first year, but full credit to Staj (head coach Alen Stajcic),” said Pantazopolous.
“As soon as he came in, he gave me that confidence and belief. I’ve been able to slowly mature, become more of a leader, and whatever I can do to help, I do.”
While there are no dramatic tactical overhauls this preseason, the focus is on refining the balance that saw the Wanderers finish strong last year.
“Nothing drastically new,” Pantazopolous explains.
“The back end of last season was better than the start. We could score a lot at the start but also conceded too many chances and goals. We brought those two things together toward the end, grinding out one-nil, two-nil wins. That’s something we have to keep improving on so we can win those close games.”
Every training session, every close finish, and every big match this season will test the Wanderers’ resolve.
With lessons learned, new leadership in the squad, and Pantazopolous stepping further into his role as a guiding presence, the team approaches the campaign with renewed focus and ambition, ready to turn last season’s heartbreak into triumph.
