Nikita Rukavytsya maintains morale is still high in the Western Sydney dressing room despite the side’s woeful start to the A-League season.
Socceroos winger Rukavytsya is yet to taste victory for his new club, who sit last on the ladder, since arriving from German side Mainz 05 last month.
But he claimed team spirit hasn’t wavered despite disappointing home draws with lowly Newcastle and the Central Coast Mariners that came on the back of four straight away defeats.
“It’s great, nothing has changed,” Rukavytsya said.
“Performances are there, we’re playing some good football and improving.
“It will not take long before the ball starts going into the back of the net and we’ll get a few points.”
The Asian champions face Sydney FC at Pirtek Stadium on Saturday evening and Rukavytsya is relishing a first opportunity to play in the A-League’s biggest derby having been unavailable for the round two clash between the sides.
Sydney won that game 3-2, having trailed 2-0, and triumphed 3-1 in the round 22 meeting between the sides last season.
That game was marred by allegations of racial abuse directed at Sydney winger Ali Abbas by Wanderers forward Brendon Santalab.
The case was subsequently dropped by a FFA hearing due to a lack of evidence, but only served to add more fuel to a bitter rivalry between the two clubs that’s grown bigger each year.
Saturday’s game has already sold out and former Perth Glory star Rukavytsya is expecting a fast-paced encounter to be played in front of a hostile home crowd.
He’s hopeful his team’s luck will change.
“I’ve played in some big derbies before, it’s a special game and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“We’re creating a lot of chances, especially the last few games unfortunately the ball doesn’t want to go in.
“We’re hitting the post, the keeper pulls off some incredible saves but if we keep creating then the goals will come.”
RBBAnonymous
Guest
He only gets to coach in a full stadium when he plays against WSW so steady on GA GA
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Werlllll would do you expect from GA AZ ? Throwing a few verbal hand grenades into the heaving throng that is the Masses of WSW Humanity -you might say that's Derby Terrorism for ya :-) We got every word there GA we're waiting for you come saturday night -you'd better be ready ;-)
langou
Roar Guru
Yep, you've got me there
Josh
Guest
Insults football, someone replies with GWS... checkmate.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I think he has only coached two games there? First round 12/13 where the atmosphere was sentimental more than intimidating then a few rounds later when the atmosphere side of things was starting to come together. So I wouldn't exactly call him an expert on what games at Parra are like, let alone Derbies. But good to see him get some hype going.
pete4
Guest
Talk about pouring some petrol on it... "Arnold calls Wanderland 'little' and unintimidating" http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2014/11/27/arnold-calls-wanderland-little-and-unintimidating
AZ_RBB
Guest
GWS. Nuff said.
langou
Roar Guru
Yeah, well, whatever, Soccer has nil-all draws, flares and is a girls game so there.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I wonder how many people will be watching AFL this weekend? Yeah that's right! Take that AFL! #AFLinCrisis
langou
Roar Guru
This whole website is a bit quiet today Someone really needs to start a code war or something
The Minister
Guest
Yep...bit quiet here today. Bring on the derby...
AZ_RBB
Guest
Quiet day on here? Calm before the storm. The storm being MVFC v AU, Sydney Derby, F3 Derby and Grand Final replay/Desperation Derby all within a few days. All leading into the busy December period.
AZ_RBB
Guest
There's nothing in the article that says our season is over or anything like that. We're winless several games into the season and I'm sure any team in our position would be receiving the same criticisms especially after our success in the last 2yrs.
sydutd77
Guest
4 points out of the top 6 and 20 games to go lol!!! you editors have nothing to write about seriously