Head coach Markus Babbel is adamant the players will do their talking on the pitch as the Wanderers look to turn around a frustrating period when they play Western United in a blockbuster double header at Bankwest Stadium on Friday night.
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Despite playing some of their best football of the season, it has been a tough month for the Red & Black with results not going their way, but Babbel says the belief and commitment is still very much evident amongst the players.
“We are looking forward to Friday when we can give our answer on the pitch,” said Babbel.
“We can only stop the talk about the results by doing it on the pitch.
“I talked to boys yesterday (Tuesday) and we are sticking together and that is the most important thing we have to do.
“We know what we want to do. We are in the same boat and have to row in the same direction. I am very optimistic that the boys understand what I mean.”
The Wanderers are coming off the back of a 2-0 away loss to premiers Perth Glory last week in a result that could have been different had they had some better luck in the opening 10 minutes after Mitchell Duke hit the cross bar with a shot in just the second minute.
Still, the belief remained strong as they worked hard for the full 90 minutes and were right in the game for much of the second half.
It is that belief Babbel says will hold the team in good stead.
“Of course, the belief is still very good. If they do not believe then they wouldn’t be playing a better style of football,” said Babbel.
“You can’t dominate Perth away from home (without belief).
“But, that belief needs to turn into goals because at the beginning of the season it was a great effort in front of the goal.
“Now we are a creating chances, but we can’t score. We have to keep going.
“We have to believe we can create chances, we can score. Just don’t think too much, use the right technique, come into the right position.”
Babbel said he knows the Red & Black will be given a fight by Western United, one of the surprise packets of the Hyundai A-League this season.
United, admitted into the competition at the start of the season, have defied the odds to win five of their 10 games to sit in third spot on the table.
“They are a very good side and have much experience,” said Babbel.
“They have excellent individual players who can hurt you.
“But, if we do what we know we can do and bring our game then I am very optimistic we can get all the points.”
