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Some 8000 kilometres from home, Western Sydney could find themselves again. A memorable Asian Champions League title is still firmly in the memory, the barometer by which the club’s ongoing struggles are judged.
It’s juxtaposition in its most raw form; a lengthy hangover that prompted a great deal of soul searching at Wanderers HQ. Still with just the 1 win from 16 attempts this season, that night in Riyadh continues to shelter a period of wicked turbulence.
It proved a game-changing moment in many ways for the Wanderers. The first milestone was quickly followed by another – the end of chapter one.
The curtain closed on one of the most emphatic opening acts ever performed by a fledgling club. And so we witnessed the by-product of the monopoly that is the A-League.
With little more to lose than morale and with the help of an Asian Cup break, the Wanderers embarked on a mid-season overhaul. In came Yusuke Tanaka, Sam Gallaway, Kerem Bulut and Yojiro Takahagi. Out went Vitor Saba, Seyi Adeleke, Kwabena Appiah and Daniel Mullen. A shake up by mid-season standards in the A-League.
Tony Popovic provided the luxury of lifting his eggs from the league basket and focusing his weight on both next season and the Asian Champions League.
If the Wanderers are to salvage something from the current A-League campaign, they needed to return from the Asian Cup break full of vigour. Two defeats, a draw and a win tamed any hopes of a resurrection and provided a realisation that Popovic’s new plans will take time to mould.
The road to redemption could begin tonight when their ACL title defence gets underway against Kashima Antlers. Wanderers may source some inspiration from Borussia Dortmund’s capricious season – the Bundesliga giants experiencing vastly different fortunes on the continental and domestic fronts until a fortnight ago.
Only eighth-placed Central Coast remain in reach for Western Sydney and it matters little whether they finish eighth or two places below with the wooden spoon. It means there will be greater emphasis on the Champions League. Few will give them a chance, but that’s where they thrive.
In a way, tonight’s match represents the beginning of chapter two for the Wanderers. Although Matt Spiranovic denies the club’s off-field issues and on-field struggles will provide added motivation.
“I wouldn’t say we’re any more determined. I just think going into this tournament it’s a fresh start, a massive opportunity for the club and the players and everyone involved. That’s something I know everyone has been looking forward to.
“But we’ve done it before, in both the A-League and the Champions League, and we’re really looking forward to the challenge ahead. To be able to hold the trophy last campaign was a magnificent achievement and something very special. We’ll be doing everything we can to defend that title.”
There could be another sign of the Wanderers’ new direction tonight, with January addition Kerem Bulut in line to make his debut for the club.
It’s a fresh start, too, for the 23-year-old, who gained valuable experience in the Turkish and Czech leagues but will be determined to return to regular first-team football.
Much of the conjecture surrounding Bulut since his signing has been based on his past – ‘Controversial’ and ‘talented’ among the go-to descriptions. Few have seen Bulut play in the flesh since he left Australia, his appearances for the Joeys and Young Socceroos aside.
It’s a clean slate for the striker, who has a chance to carve out his own image and shake off the prejudice that has been so loosely attached to him over the last month. It will surely bring him great joy to be judged on his prowess in front of goal rather than his past.
Before we see him run out on the pitch, we can at least be assured that he has done plenty right to earn the respect of Popovic – a man who has made some astute signings and equally shrewd culls. There isn’t a free ride into this Wanderers side and the fact Bulut has already emerged as a contender to lead the line is a positive sign of his determination.
Parramatta and a defective A-League season will seem a world away when the Wanderers run out in Kashima tonight. Their path won’t be set after 90 minutes, but it could set the tone for a return to the Western Sydney of old.
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