Head coach Catherine Cannuli on the Liberty A-League team’s preparations ahead of the first match of the season tonight against Wellington.
Cannuli and her side have spent the last eight weeks in pre-season mode at Wanderers Football Park with all their hard work set to pay off in tonight’s Round 1 clash against Wellington.
A new side to the competition this season, Wellington have brought together a mix of local and Australian talent in their inaugural squad.
“We don’t know much (about Wellington) but over the last eight weeks, I’ve told our girls and our group that it’s all about us and we focus on us,” said Cannuli.
“That’s what we can control and that’s what we will be looking at going into Round 1.”
Cannuli has brought together a mix of new and familiar players this season, focusing heavily in the off-season on recruiting players from the Western Sydney region.
“It’s very very important to me (to have players from the region),” said Cannuli.
“Everyone here knows what Western Sydney Wanderers are about and how much I care about this club and this team.
“It’s important that the girls share the exact same values as me, and when they jump on pitch they know what it’s like to be hardworking and determined to get three points every game.”
Tonight’s match will also mark Catherine Cannuli’s first match in the hot seat, appointed head coach in the off-season.
“It means so much to me,” said Cannuli.
“It’s been a long time coming, I’ve been in this role for a long time and I started here in the club’s inaugural season as a player and then as an assistant coach.
“Then head coach, it’s the ultimate feeling for me.
“I hope I can do Western Sydney and the club proud, and that the girls go out there and give a solid performance.”
Liberty A-League
Friday 3 December 2021
Wellington Phoenix v Western Sydney Wanderers
WIN Stadium, 5:05pm
Wanderers squad: 1.Sarah LANGMAN, 2.Caitlin COOPER, 3.Nikola ORGILL, 4.Elizabeth RALSTON, 5.Danika MATOS, 6.Olivia PRICE, 7.Bella HABUDA, 8.Erica HALLOWAY, 9.Bryleeh HENRY, 10.Libby COPUS-BROWN, 11.Teigan COLLISTER, 12.Margaux CHAUVET, 13.Bianca GALIC, 14.Clare HUNT, 15.Rosie GALEA, 16.Malia STEINMETZ, 17.Sheridan GALLAGHER, 18.Ashlie CROFTS, 19.Sarah MORGAN, 20.Shamiran KHAMIS, 21.Alexia APOSTALAKIS, 23.Tiegan ALLEN, 30.Isabella WHITTON.
