Defender Tass Mourdoukoutas spoke to FOX SPORTS News this week about building momentum leading into the Sydney Derby and the importance of the clash to fans and players.
Defender Tass Mourdoukoutas spoke to FOX SPORTS News this week about building momentum leading into the Sydney Derby and the importance of the clash to fans and players.
You can watch the full interview here.
The Wanderers head into the match after a hard-fought victory over Newcastle Jets last Friday night at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Red & Black opened up a 2-0 lead thanks to Ziggy Gordon and Tate Russell goals on either side of half-time, but a Nigel Boogaard header reduced that lead to one, setting up an entertaining finish to the tense affair which ultimately ended in favour of the Red & Black.
“The win gives us massive momentum and the way the boys played was really impressive,” said Mourdoukoutas.
“I think we defended really well and that gave us a basis to then go on the attack.
“We created some really great chances throughout the game and hopefully we can take those into the Derby.”
The Wanderers first two A-League games of the season have seen Mourdoukoutas named in the starting squad, an opportunity the 21-year-old is using to his advantage to grow and develop.
“That was always my goal for this season, just to get regular games under my belt and things then become second nature,” explained Mourdoukoutas.
“You develop into a more consistent and solid A-League footballer (with more game time) and from there you can go beyond and excel at that point.
“You get rid of any shakiness and just become more consistent and solid and I’m hoping to progress more and more.”
The defender is set to have his first start in a Sydney Derby fixture on Saturday night with Mourdoukoutas knowing exactly what’s on the line in the cross-city battle.
“I think as long as you don’t overhype it or get too crazily ahead of yourself. You do have to calm yourself down and say it is another game but at the same time, as soon as that whistle starts it’s pretty all in,” said Mourdoukoutas.
“The team that keeps their head in place, plays their style of play and the tactics they need to do to win will usually get the result.
“You can’t let the emotions play too much of a part but at the same time you really need to get stuck in there’s a lot on the line.
“The fans live for games like these just as the players do, it means a lot to them so it means a lot to us too.”
Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Saturday 16 January, 5:05pm
Stadium Australia
