Tony Popovic lauds Wanderers composure amid eight-game unbeaten run

Tony Popovic lauds Wanderers composure amid eight-game unbeaten run

0
SHARE

Wetsern Sydney Wanderers boss Tony Popovic has praised the composure of his squad after it came from behind twice to secure a point against Perth Glory, keeping its eight-match unbeaten run alive.

Diego Castro’s second-minute penalty and a Mitchell Oxborrow thunderbolt forced the ladder leaders to rally, with strikes from Brendan Santalab and in-form Mitch Nichols ensuring the spoils were shared in a 2-2 draw.

Popovic said his team’s composure and fighting spirit, born in part against this week’s opponents Newcastle Jets back in round five, has played a major part in Western Sydney’s surge to the league summit.

“You’re always impressed by that (composure),” Popovic said.

“We did that (come from behind) early in the season against Newcastle, funnily enough our next opponent, where we conceded with 15 to go and we ended up winning the match.

“I think that gave the players a lot of confidence that they can win matches in any situation and maybe that’s why they were so composed once we went down twice.

“Conceding early is never ideal, but 2-1 down after 60 minutes away from home, is a difficult proposition and they remained composed, they controlled the game and Mitch scored a great goal to level it up for us.”

The Wanderers won that match against Newcastle at the Hunter Stadium 2-1, but despite the Jets’ issues in front of goal lately, Christmas Eve’s fixture remains one that Popovic simply wants to win rather than piling on the goals.

“We’ve got to play well once more in front of our home fans and if we can do that, we have a great opportunity to take another three (points) and enjoy Christmas.

“This is just a game we want to win. If we go in with that attitude and mindset, we’ll come unstuck. You can’t take anyone lightly in this league.

“They’ve got a lot of dangerous players in the front third and they showed that earlier in the season.

“Maybe it’s not happening for them in front of goal, but I’m sure it will change. We just don’t want it to change tomorrow.”

What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.