Perth Glory manager Kenny Lowe has rejected the notion his side will falter in the A-League because of their FFA Cup Final loss.
Glory were beaten 1-0 in the final of the inaugural competition to hosts Adelaide United.
While Lowe suggested he might need “a carton of something” to come to terms with the loss, any hangover he might feel would be tempered by holding top spot on the A-League ladder.
There’s certainly no time for indulgence, with Perth resuming in the league against Central Coast on Saturday night.
At the final whistle, almost all of the capacity Coopers Stadium crowd watched the Adelaide team celebrate their first trophy in eight years, but Lowe was watching his own team’s reaction.
Despite feeling the pain of losing a cup final, what he saw only affirmed his belief success was coming for his club.
“They’ve got themselves in a huddle, they’ve had a few words together,” he said.
“They’re driven and they care and they’re passionate.
“They’re good people and good footballers and that will take us a long way at this club.”
That huddle was missing a man – Josh Risdon after his 57th minute red card.
The right back, who was enjoying a decent game, earned his second yellow for a tug on Marcelo Carrusca’s shirt.
Lowe lamented the timing of the dismissal, coming just as Glory started to fight back.
“We were getting it back, we were quite structured, really well organised,” he said.
“We were just getting a little bit of momentum and then the change happened.”
“That’s the way it works in cup games.”
Lowe suggested the 22-year-old was gutted but would move on.
“He ain’t doing backflips, he’s been sent off in the FFA Cup final,” he said.
“It’s part of football, good things happen, bad things happen.”
Glory certainly missed midfielder Mitch Nichols who was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Lowe suggested he wasn’t risked because of a busy upcoming schedule which includes A-League matches and a potential part in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup.
But for those that played, Lowe had nothing but praise.
“We’ve come to a cauldron here … and put a performance in, our players have been magnificent,” he said.
“I’m extremely proud of the people that have been on the park today.”
The Perth coach has emerged as a fan of the FFA Cup, calling it a fantastic spectacle.
“I’ve certainly enjoyed the journey, the players have enjoyed the journey, they probably won’t feel that at the moment.”
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