A host of fresh faces at Western Sydney has coach Tony Popovic feeling like he’s back preparing for the club’s first A-League campaign in 2012.
And at least one of his players admits it’s going to be tough for the new-look pack to gel in time for their Asian Champions League (ACL) quarter-final next month.
The Wanderers lost three of their biggest stars in the off-season, with Shinji Ono returning to Japan, Youssouf Hersi defecting to Perth Glory and Aaron Mooy joining Melbourne City.
In their place has come ex-Dutch international Romeo Castelen, Brazilian Vitor Saba, and Australians Brendan Hamill and goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis.
Popovic has also revamped his coaching team, promoting youth coach Trevor Morgan to senior team assistant alongside new recruit Ian Crook.
A new CEO – John Tsatsimas – was also installed after the franchise was sold to a business consortium last month.
“It’s a little similar to year one – there’s a lot of staff changes, a lot of player changes,” Popovic said.
“We have new faces coming in, and we’ve still got a few to come.
“So it’ll take them a bit of time to get used to a different climate, a different culture, a different way of life.
“But we’re sure once they all settle in, they’ll really enjoy being here in Sydney and also being with the Wanderers.”
Popovic said Castelen was due to arrive in Australia on Tuesday night, ahead of the Wanderers’ first FFA Cup match against Adelaide City on August 12.
It’s going to be a busy few weeks for the club, who take on Chinese powerhouse Guangzhou Evergrande at Parramatta Stadium on August 20 before their away ACL leg a week later.
Star striker Tomi Juric said while the team had been putting in the effort on the training paddock, he expressed some concern about how quickly things needed to work.
“It’s definitely going to be a challenge for us to gel together in time for the ACL,” he said.
“We’re working hard on the field, so that come the ACL game against Guangzhou we’re prepared.
“But it’s a big start to the season, it’ll be very important to get off on the right foot and get a good result at home against them.”
The Wanderers will be without Socceroos defender Matthew Spiranovic for at least the next 10 weeks after undergoing ankle surgery on Monday.
Popovic said the operation went “very well”.
“Now it’s just a recovery phase for him, and I’m sure he’ll be back bigger and better once he heals from the injury,” the manager said.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Woill blurb all about it on wed for ya here AZ :-)
AZ_RBB
Guest
Wish I could've made it. Don't think I'll see any pre-season action this time around. But bring on Guangzhou! We'll hit 9k renewals today. I can see us getting to 13-14k renewals before it being available to those on the waiting list.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
I'm going to Beautiful downtown Leichardt this toosday evening to watch the WSW vs Apia game -should be great -next time might be da Ronaldinho press conference ;-)
Catnap
Guest
I don't like the look of wanderers this season so far and I think their fans patience will be sorely tested!!!!!
Matthew Skellett
Guest
the Glory and the Mariners dragging their feet eh ? ;-)
SVB
Guest
I think while Tony Popovic is coaching the Wanderers we will always win most of our games in a more conservative way. 90% of the time we play on the counter. I do remember games though against Melbourne Heart in Melbourne and the last ACL game at Parramatta where we were forced to attack and we showed that we have strike power if it is required. Not to worry. Second trial game of the season. Let's wait a little longer to see how things are going along. Definitely there is some improvement there. Also we should be hoping for two or three more signing before the season starts.
AZ_RBB
Guest
They're usually the ones who are no longer welcome at Parra. So they make the most of these friendlies. No biggie. A lot of panic going around about only winning 1-0. We won these same games by 2 goals last season, which I would say is only marginally better considering the fact we had a very strong settled squad back then. Guangzhou was always going to be a tough match even with a full strength squad. We're in Leichhardt next week, where I think we might see a near full strength side in preparation for the 3 big games coming up.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
I wish these knuckleheads would stop. All it does is cause the wrong headlines the next day and gives our club a negative image. Oooh flares "I just got a chubby".
AZ_RBB
Guest
I heard fans from both sides put on quite the pyro show as well haha
AZ_RBB
Guest
When are we ever convincing? lol
TomC
Roar Guru
Got out to Deakin this evening to watch Canberra FC v WSW. Not a hugely convincing performance by the Wanderers (1-0 win) but a good hitout against a pretty spirited opposition. Windy, cold, difficult conditions.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Those are some pretty good numbers from the roar supporters, well done I must say.
AZ_RBB
Guest
WSW fans. our ACL tix go on sale on Aug 7 and public can buy from Aug 11. No idea why they've left it so late. Hope it sells out regardless. This is the biggest game we've ever played at Parra Stadium
Danno
Guest
Most teams should double those before the season. Sydney FC at least triple.
Griffo
Roar Guru
11k is the Jets aim before kick-off Round 1. Don't know how we will go with that figure but a couple more good signings and 10k should be no worries... 100k for all of us should be doable...
AZ_RBB
Guest
Season tickets passed 50k today Adelaide United: 4,200 Brisbane Roar: 8,554 Central Coast Mariners: 2,200 Melbourne City: 6,188 Melbourne Victory: 10,051 Newcastle Jets: 4,038 Perth Glory : 2,500 Sydney FC: 4,000 Wellington Phoenix: N/A Western Sydney Wanderer: 8,357 Total = 50,088 MVFC way ahead but I reckon we can get pretty close in the coming week.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Yeah no need for pyro at the game. Should be focusing on getting our chants perfect before Guangzhou ;) can't have them out-sing us! Amazing that they're considering capping the capacity ie potentially turning away willing customers. I know it's only 1500 but still that's awesome.
pete4
Guest
Canberra FC v WSW tonight in Canberra http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/western-sydney-wanderers-vs-canberra-fc-flares-not-welcome-at-deakin-20140728-zxp3t.html
AZ_RBB
Guest
There are sober Wanderers' fans?
RBBAnonymous
Guest
We should have a drinking game for everytime a Wanderer says "Challenge or Challenging". I predict we will be drunk in the first 5 minutes.