Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic says his side will not be complacent against a depleted Guizhou Renhe on Tuesday despite his side having one hand on a ticket to the Asian Champions League knockout stage.
The Wanderers continued their impressive continental debut with a 2-0 win on Tuesday against South Korean big guns Ulsan Hyundai to go top of Group H with one match remaining.
Popovic’s side need just a draw against the Chinese side to book passage to the last 16, and the Wanderers’ hopes were further boosted with Guizhou self-destructing on Tuesday amid a chaotic conclusion to their 1-0 home loss against Kawasaki Frontale.
Tempers frayed as Guizhou’s Champions League ambitions evaporated, and red cards to former Manchester City defender Sun Jihai and Bosnian playmaker Zvjezdan Misimovic meant the now-eliminated Chinese outfit will arrive in Sydney without two of their most influential players.
The Wanderers could even progress if they lose, depending on the outcomes of the other games, but Popovic says remaining masters of their own destiny was the aim heading into the Ulsan match.
“We still need to do a job on Tuesday, but this result has put things in our control,” said Popovic.
“We aspired to be in this position on nine points, but now we need to finish the job at home.”
Popovic said Tuesday’s win was all the more noteworthy given it was achieved without several regular starters including star attacker Shinji Ono, goalkeeper Ante Covic and midfield enforcer Iacopo La Rocca, while key midfielders Aaron Mooy and Youssouf Hersi started on the bench.
“We have a very small squad and that’s why I decided to leave out some players at home,” Popovic said.
“We cannot compete in both competitions with the same squad. I was worried about the match fitness of our players, but they did really well.”
The Wanderers have kept an A-League-high 10 clean sheets this season, and Popovic believes defence was once again pivotal to the team’s success following a 3-1 defeat against the same opponent in February.
Popovic also heaped praise on Socceroo World Cup hopeful Matthew Spiranovic who unusually lined up in central midfield in Ulsan.
“Matt has the qualities to play in midfield,” he said.
“We have tried him there a few times in the league. We felt we needed to control the midfield, and the combination of Matt Spiranovic and Jason Trifiro worked very well and was a key to our win.”
Reginald Bomber
Roar Guru
Whether you support WSW or not, you have to be impressed with Tony Popovic as a first time football manager. Took them to the A-League Premiership and Grand Final in his first year as coach of WSW - a club that was barely 9 months old. Coached them to the top of their group with 1 home game remaining in the ACL. SFC must be kicking themselves when they didn't sign him and went with Ian Crook instead.
AZ_RBB
Guest
"in a bit of a lull" bit of an understatement haha. but i agree, he is much better in a central role than on the wings. arguably our worst player this season. harsh but true.
Ken
Guest
What position did Bridgey play for this game? It looked like a more central role. I have seen him play an attacking midfielder type role previously and although he failed miserably (5+ bad passes. I think he was in a bit of a lull) he created lots of chances. I would be happy to see him continue in a more central role as I think his ball skills, especially when under pressure, are excellent. He really can open up defences.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Onya Poppa !!! Upward and Onward !!!!!! Will beeeee there for the Guizhou Renhe game !!!!!! :-)