As the Western Sydney Wanderers prepare to host Brisbane Roar this Saturday at CommBank Stadium, head coach Alen Stajcic is focused on the challenge that lies ahead.
With the Roar riding a wave of form and currently sitting second on the Isuzu UTE A-League Men ladder, Stajcic knows this weekend’s clash will be as much a test of resilience and tactical acumen as it is of skill on the ball.
“It’s a massive game,” Stajcic said ahead of the match.
“Brisbane are a wonderful story so far this season. You have to be ready. They’ve shown a lot of fight, a lot of spirit. Their physicality is being a real standout.”
Stajcic was quick to highlight that Brisbane’s game isn’t just about being physical.
“They’ve been very resilient at the back. They’ve been very direct at times, outnumbered teams in different areas, and shown some real quality in different moments as well.
“It’s a little too simplistic just to say that they’re aggressive and have good team spirit, although that is certainly a cornerstone for them.
“They’ve built a lot of good passages of play too, and we’re not underestimating them as a football team. Physicality is just one part of the game – it’s also technical, tactical, mental, and cultural. That’s something we’ll need to match this weekend.”
The Wanderers’ home form this season has been a key factor in their campaign so far and Stajcic is mindful of the role the members and fans play in creating an electric atmosphere at CommBank Stadium.
“Everything helps, but it doesn’t mean you win or lose or draw. It just gives you that extra little bit of advantage,” he said.
“Now, we’re playing in front of our crowd, and the noise during the Sydney Derby was one of the best I’ve heard in my time in the A-League.
“Hopefully, we can have that kind of atmosphere again and promote the great product that it will be. Our players have responded to the home crowd this year, and it’s an important weapon for us. The more support we get, the more the players lift, they love playing for the city, the area, and all the members and fans.”
