NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers livewire Youssouf Hersi said the secret to his sensational form was that he really enjoyed playing football.
NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers livewire Youssouf Hersi said the secret to his sensational form was that he really enjoyed playing football.
Hersi, 30, said he was determined to win every match he played for the Wanderers but it was important to remember that football was a fun game to play.
The flying right winger said he hoped the supporters enjoyed his trickery with the ball and he had many more surprises up his sleeves.
“I want sometimes to give something to the supporters and the people that follow the game because they want to come to see something special and I am always looking for something – at the right time of course,” Hersi said.
“When you are three zero behind I would not do something stupid but I like to try and do something a little different that makes the supporters wake up and enjoy and say ‘oh yeah, that was nice- and hopefully help bring more people to the stadium and to watch on TV.
“If they are watching and they see the performances from the team and the players are good then they might come or watch more often.”
Hersi said the support the team received was amazing.
“And I hope the Western Sydney Wanderers keep getting more and more supporters this year and next year,” Hersi said.
“I have a lot (of tricks) but I want to keep them a surprise and not tell too much now.
“I enjoy playing with the other players and I enjoy playing with Western Sydney and I enjoy playing football and having fun.
“Football is fun.
“Of course it is also serious that you must win three points but it is still fun and I hope I can give something to the supporters and to the kids as well.
“I want them to see it is still fun playing in good games.”
The Wanderers next face Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium and they are expecting another tight match.
They beat Brisbane 1-0 on both previous meetings, the last in a penalty won by striker Dino Kresinger and taken by marquee Shinji Ono at Parramatta Stadium in Round 10.
Hersi said the poor recent form of the defending Champions was of no comfort.
“They have the same players and they are unlucky sometimes but those players are still good players and they won the Championship the last two years so you can see they are good players,” Hersi said.
“It will be very difficult in Brisbane but I think we have the belief we can win as well there.
“We feel great and we feel we know each other now and we feel good after a few good wins.”
He was not concerned at the prospect of facing Qantas Socceroo defender and new signing Jade North.
“I don-t follow players I focus on myself and the teams. Of course I watch the teams,” he said.
Striker Dino Kresinger is a chance of returning from a knee injury against Brisbane Roar this Sunday.
The imposing striker trained with the team today and said although his troublesome knee felt good, the real test would be when he woke up tomorrow.
Coach Tony Popovic said there were no injury concerns after the Wellington match.
He said Tahj Minniecon (foot) would not be available and Kresinger was a chance of playing.
“Brisbane has a number of very good players who can win a game,” Popovic said.
“It will be a very tough match.
“It would be a big mistake to take them lightly with the calibre of players they have.
“If we perform to our capabilities then we are very confident we can get the result that we want but anything short of a very good performance and we will struggle to do that.”
Popovic enjoyed the win in Wellington on Sunday when they beat the Phoenix 2-0.
“Wellington was a difficult trip but much better when you win,” Popovic said.
He said the Wanderers squad was growing closer.
“They are a tight unit and they are a good bunch of blokes and they are all winners,” he said.
“The results help to make that bond closer and even early in the season and the results weren-t there, the camaraderie was very good and there was a lot of belief in the team and that has continued and improved as we have gone along.”
The Wanderers- next home game is against Melbourne Heart on Saturday January 26 at 7.45pm at Parramatta Stadium. Kids will be allowed in for free.
