Captain Dylan McGowan on the storylines heading into Friday night’s clash against Newcastle Jets and what it has been like working with head coach Carl Robinson.
You can listen to the full interview on Football National Radio here.
McGowan provided a unique insight into the way head coach Carl Robinson has been working on the little details with the team and transforming the DNA of the squad.
“I think the players he has recruited and how he’s recruited them, and they all want to come here and play speaks volumes of the manager he is and the person he is,” said McGowan.
“I think the coaching staff he has with him, obviously we’ve got Labi Haliti and he’s in the DNA of the club.
“He’s brought in Kenny (Miller) with him, who’s a fantastic player, who I’ve known a lot in Scotland and come through and seen him play but to watch them work close up and first hand the detail that they go into I think is valuable for us as players.
“I think they’re a real breath of fresh air in the league and it’s up to us now, them as coaches and us as players, to go out and to prove how good we can be this year.
“If everything falls into place, I think we will do well.”
The Wanderers have turned their attention this week to opponents, Newcastle Jets, who have been part of a number of interesting headlines and subplots over the last few months.
Narratives and breaking news aside, McGowan is expecting a tough Jets outfit on Friday night.
“I think the Newcastle Jets are always a tough game especially when you are in Newcastle,” said McGowan.
“You saw them last year, obviously under a different coach, towards the end they were probably one of the best teams in the competition and that hasn’t really changed in terms of personnel.
“They’ve kept a lot of that core of their team together and they’ve got experience.
“It’ll be a case of going there and having to play well to get the three points and we’re well aware there will be other factors in this game – crowds, little subplots going on that is only good for the A-League in my opinion.
“The more little subplots we’ve got and rivalries we can get is better for us and brings more attention tot he league and hopefully Fridauy night we see a big crowd and a big performance from us.”
One of the larger subplots surrounding the fixture is Wanderers forward Bernie Ibini’s return to the Hunter after he departed the club in December last year.
“I think Bernie will be fine, I don’t have to say anything to Bernie and I’m sure he will go out and play his game,” said McGowan.
“We’re just looking forward to it and hopefully we can get a win for him. It’s been a long road for him to get to the club and it’s good to see him playing with a smile with his face.
“The boys are right behind Bernie and as is the club, and I’m sure our fans are as well.”
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday 7 January 2021
Kick-off: 7:05pm AEDT
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
Broadcast: FOX Sports 505
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports
