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Popovic can feel results coming for Wanderers

Tony P has the Perth G on fire. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
2nd December, 2016
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When Tony Popovic observes what Western Sydney have achieved in the first eight A-League rounds, there’s a thirsty anticipation about what the next eight might bring.

Of course, the Wanderers’ coach hasn’t measured the team’s success so far based on results – those have been virtually non-existent.

But from what he saw of his new-look squad in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Brisbane, there’s very real reason to feel optimistic a rush of points is on the horizon.

The team’s latest evolution under Popovic, famous for his annual off-season surgery, has taken longer to bear fruits than some of the past.

Wanderers 5.0 have struggled to match the artistry of last season’s Spanish-infused, possession-based grand finalists, while substantial back-four exits had stripped the club of the signature defensive foundations that delivered their 2014 Asian Champions League title.

Their failure to win in six games leaves seventh-placed Western Sydney in the unusual position of sitting lower on the table than Saturday’s opponents Central Coast.

But Popovic has been watching the pieces slowly mould together, to the extent he saw fit to select an unchanged starting XI for the first time against the Roar.

Front-third extravagance aside, the move was largely vindicated by the Wanderers’ best display yet, which Popovic put down to improved fitness and cohesion.

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Case in point is Argentine marquee Nicolas Martinez, whose attacking wizardry seems to multiply with his increasing endurance, while there’s a lot to like about Scott Neville’s industrious form at right-back.

“When players start the season unfit and can’t finish a game, or they’ve come from a background where their fitness is very low, it’s difficult to get that fluency and continuity within the group,” he said.

“But the fitness levels have improved, the understanding is better and we’re fortunate we have no injuries, so we’re seeing a lot more stability now.

“It’s a work in progress but anyone who saw the game against Brisbane would tell you Western Sydney did not look like a new team.

“That’s encouraging for us, to have that after eight games is great and we can only imagine what can happen in another seven or eight games.

“But we’ve got to get results with a performance.”

That starts against the Mariners, last season’s wooden-spooners now riding on the confidence of a drought-breaking home win and clean sheet against Perth.

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For the players, a brief break from unrewarding temporary home ground Spotless Stadium might be a relief, as the club’s passionate fans make the regular trip to Central Coast Stadium, described by Popovic as a “home away from home”.

The key will putting away Paul Okon’s pacy Mariners outfit, who snatched a point at Spotless five weeks ago thanks to a Wanderers second-half fadeout.

“We’ve improved a lot since then; Central Coast has as well,” Popovic said.

“We’re certainly aware of their strengths and we’ve got a few ideas on how we can nullify them.”

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