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Western Sydney goalkeeper Ante Covic admits the Asian champions are still getting to grips with being a big scalp for A-League opponents.
The Wanderers are searching for their first win of the season and host bitter rivals Sydney FC on Saturday night for a sell-out clash at Pirtek Stadium.
Graham Arnold’s unbeaten Sky Blues will be brimming with confidence going into the game but Covic doesn’t expect the clash to be any more difficult than the other six games they’ve played this season.
“You don’t become champions of Asia and expect everyone to sit on their backsides and admire us,” Covic said.
“We’ve been successful for two years having been absolutely nowhere three years ago.
“Teams come over here and look at us in a different light now. We have an amazing atmosphere here, amazing support and are definitely a notch on other teams’ belt.
“We’ve noticed how teams have lifted whenever they come here and that’s something we have to deal with.
“But the derby is a great chance to get a win on the board.”
The Wanderers had enough chances to see off Newcastle last Saturday but had to settle for a 1-1 draw thanks to a brilliantly finished volley from striker Tomi Juric.
Juric, who shares similar traits to former Socceroos great Mark Viduka, also hit the outside of the post in the second half with a fantastic curling effort from the edge of the box.
Wanderers coach Tony Popovic believes the 23-year-old still has to refine a lot of rough edges to his game before that comparison can be made, but is happy with how he is progressing.
“He still has a lot to improve on but he is getting better and better,” Popovic said.
“I just want to keep seeing him progress and become a striker that is consistent and produces week in, week out.
“For the goal he scored, he created so much space for himself and that is why we see so much potential in Tommy.
“He is dangerous in the box like all good strikers and I am sure he will improve again this Saturday.”
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