NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic said the team was looking forward to having strong crowd support against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic said the team was looking forward to having strong crowd support against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
Popovic said the atmosphere at the first Sydney Derby at Parramatta Stadium was “amazing” and the second instalment on Saturday night would be very “special”.
“It should be a really good match with both teams coming off a win last week and we are expecting a really good crowd and I look forward to seeing a lot of our fans there at the stadium,” Popovic said.
“The players are confident and they know it is going to be a really tough match and derbies are unique in how the game is played.
“The atmosphere at the first instalment was amazing and they are special occasions and this will be no different.”
Popovic said some of the younger players were slightly overawed in the first Derby which was the fledgling club-s third match.
“They have come a long way since then,” he said.
“I have to make sure that the players do not get caught up in the moment and that they enjoy the game and that should help them play to their capabilities.”
Several Wanderers and the coach have history at Sydney FC.
“It will be nice to go back there,” he said.
“I have some really good memories there and I can-t forget those in playing there and winning a premiership as an assistant. It was a great time for me.
“I am looking forward to going back there and this time doing everything I can to get the three points.”
Both teams have players returning from national duty.
Sydney FC has Brett Emerton and Terry Antonis and the Wanderers have midfielder Aaron Mooy.
“It is always good to have your best players available and both sides have players coming back from Socceroos and they will be full of confidence,” Popovic said.
“Playing for your country is a great honour and hopefully all players will bring that good form back to the match.”
Popovic said the Wanderers were ready in the unlikely event Alessandro Del Piero plays.
“We are preparing for him in the side and out of the side so regardless of whether he plays or not we will be ready,” he said.
“Mark Bridge had a tough fitness test and we are waiting to see how he will pull up from that and make a decision tomorrow.”
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