Iacopo La Rocca believes the Western Sydney Wanderers still have plenty to play for in the A-League, despite his team being out of the race for a spot in the finals.
The struggling Wanderers have only won three matches this season, and a superior goal difference is all that separates the club from the bottom-placed Newcastle Jets on the A-League table.
The Wanderers return to Sydney after the 3-2 loss at the hands of the high-flying Perth Glory, and La Rocca insists that the team must bounce back from the result.
“We have to move forward. We know that the performance is there and we played good, but we didn’t get the result. We have to play for pride, and try to win because the fans deserve this,” he said.
The loss against Perth once again showcased the Italian player’s unlikely partnership with Yojiro Takahagi in defensive midfield, with Takahagi moved to a deeper midfield role in recent weeks by coach Tony Popovic.
“When you play with a good player, it’s always easy to play,” La Rocca said of Japanese teammate Takahagi.
“I feel comfortable [with Takahagi]. Same with the other midfielders, we know that the squad is there and we have a good squad.
“This season we have missed confidence, and that’s why are second last on the table.”
The Wanderers will host the finals bound Melbourne City this Friday night, and will be hoping to repeat the efforts that snared it a shock 3-2 win against the visiting Melbourne side three weeks ago.
“[We are] always looking forward to play this type of game. Melbourne City is a good team, and playing at home is always different. I think everyone wants to play, because we want to forget the last game,” La Rocca said.
A clash against Korean club FC Seoul also looms for Western Sydney next week, and a win would put the Asian Champions in a good position to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2015 edition of the Asian Champions League.
La Rocca acknowledges the game could determine whether the Wanderers’ Asian Champions League title defence remains on track, but says he is keeping his mind on the upcoming fixture against Melbourne City for now.
“Before, I will think about Melbourne City, and then I will think about Seoul. We know it is a massive game, and if we win it will be very important.”
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