Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold has cranked up the mind games ahead of Saturday’s A-League derby, claiming Western Sydney Wanderers will have one eye on the Asian Champions League final.
The Wanderers slumped to the heaviest defeat in their history last Friday when they went down 4-1 to Melbourne Victory and Arnold questioned whether their focus was on the game or their ACL first-leg clash with Al-Hilal on October 25.
“I’ve been in those positions before and it’s a big distraction,” Arnold said.
“Knowing you have a huge game in front of you, players don’t want to get injured and miss those types occasions.
“As Tony Popovic said it was a bad day at the office, they hadn’t conceded four goals before and are a very strong, well coached side.
“Was last week a one-off or was it because they had one eye on the Champions League? I’ll guess we’ll find out.”
Arnold claimed last week that the Sky Blues were still the biggest club in town, despite their Sydney rivals’ outstanding success over the last two years.
And in a claim that is sure to infuriate Wanderers fans the former Central Coast boss said Saturday’s game is the most prestigious of the three between the sides this season – two of which will be at Parramatta Stadium.
“Without a doubt it’s the biggest derby for us this season,” Arnold said.
“There will be 42,000 there at Allianz Stadium compared to the 18,000 when we play at Parramatta.”
ciudadmarron
Guest
Yep, saw that last week - it's only got worse since then as well :lol:
AZ_RBB
Guest
http://formodernfootball.com.au/graham-arnold-talks-to-fmf-about-sydney-fc-and-upcoming-a-league-season/ - this sums it up perfectly and humourously
ciudadmarron
Guest
Arnold spends almost as much time talking about WSW as Popa does. And Popa spends 0 time talking about SFC. It spills over into the players as well.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Yeah ignore the attendance part of that graphic. Otherwise I thought it was all spot on haha
Leonardo
Roar Guru
You would have the biggest crowds if you hired a stadium big enough. WSW members 17.5K average attendance 14K SFC members 12K average attendance 18K You have a lot of members who don't like going to football matches, don't you. :)
Leonardo
Roar Guru
As Brian Clough once said; "To play mind games with your opposition, you need your opposition to have the ability to think." :)
AZ_RBB
Guest
I'm generally pretty anti-gambling in sport. But this is brilliant - https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0HfJMdCMAA-kaU.jpg
Gareth
Guest
Loving these player insight articles, petkovic's was particularly fiery.
Gareth
Guest
Banter about banter? I think that's got to be the low point of the week ;) (yes I'm aware my banter is about banter about banter...)
souwalker
Guest
There will be 42000 in Allianz and 18000 in Parramatta.Bwahahahahahaha of course Arnold.....Allianz is a bigger stadium
AZ_RBB
Guest
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/western-sydney-wanderers/brendan-hamill-why-this-wanderer-is-proud-to-represent-western-sydney-against-fc-20141016-116fy1.html - if this doesn't get WSW fans pumped for the Derby. nothing will!
AZ_RBB
Guest
Exactly! Gameiro really needs to lift his game. Hope he does it from Sunday.
Wicked Ninja
Guest
Especially when you consider that A-League clubs don't own the stadiums they play in. It would be more accurate to say, "The stadium we hire is bigger than the stadium they hire."
RBBAnonymous
Guest
No we were beaten by a better side, not by a better coach :P
AZ_RBB
Guest
Corey Gameiro's comments re our stadium is bigger than theirs was the highlight of the week. Banter quality hit a new low with that.
Josh
Guest
Yes Arnie tell us all how you have been involved in an ACL final before...
Kane Cassidy
Roar Guru
Popovic was beaten in the grand final by a coach with a peanut for a brain? If you say so,
RBBAnonymous
Guest
How is Arnold playing mind games when he has a peanut for a brain. FFS