Perth Glory manager Kenny Lowe has rejected the notion his side will falter in the A-League because of their FFA Cup Final loss.
Glory were beaten 1-0 in the final of the inaugural competition to hosts Adelaide United.
While Lowe suggested he might need “a carton of something” to come to terms with the loss, any hangover he might feel would be tempered by holding top spot on the A-League ladder.
There’s certainly no time for indulgence, with Perth resuming in the league against Central Coast on Saturday night.
At the final whistle, almost all of the capacity Coopers Stadium crowd watched the Adelaide team celebrate their first trophy in eight years, but Lowe was watching his own team’s reaction.
Despite feeling the pain of losing a cup final, what he saw only affirmed his belief success was coming for his club.
“They’ve got themselves in a huddle, they’ve had a few words together,” he said.
“They’re driven and they care and they’re passionate.
“They’re good people and good footballers and that will take us a long way at this club.”
That huddle was missing a man – Josh Risdon after his 57th minute red card.
The right back, who was enjoying a decent game, earned his second yellow for a tug on Marcelo Carrusca’s shirt.
Lowe lamented the timing of the dismissal, coming just as Glory started to fight back.
“We were getting it back, we were quite structured, really well organised,” he said.
“We were just getting a little bit of momentum and then the change happened.”
“That’s the way it works in cup games.”
Lowe suggested the 22-year-old was gutted but would move on.
“He ain’t doing backflips, he’s been sent off in the FFA Cup final,” he said.
“It’s part of football, good things happen, bad things happen.”
Glory certainly missed midfielder Mitch Nichols who was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Lowe suggested he wasn’t risked because of a busy upcoming schedule which includes A-League matches and a potential part in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup.
But for those that played, Lowe had nothing but praise.
“We’ve come to a cauldron here … and put a performance in, our players have been magnificent,” he said.
“I’m extremely proud of the people that have been on the park today.”
The Perth coach has emerged as a fan of the FFA Cup, calling it a fantastic spectacle.
“I’ve certainly enjoyed the journey, the players have enjoyed the journey, they probably won’t feel that at the moment.”
Anthony Ferguson
Guest
I agree. The team should be apologising to the fans who travelled all that way to witness such a flat lifeless performance. They just weren't good enough on the day.
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
I tell you what that better not have any truth to it because this club really is in the last chance saloon with a lot of people, myself included. Incompetence can only be tolerated so many times.
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
When do the Glory get deducted points for their salary cap breach?
Mahler
Guest
The entire game was a bit flat - as if everyone wanted to live up to the Cup hype but just couldn't produce the goods. Once Risdon went off the air was out of the balloon completey for Perth and for the game itself.
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
" We've come to a cauldron here...and put a performance in, our players have been magnificent", Kenny last night's performance nearly needed an a apology especially to the 500 odd that traveled over on a weeknight right before christmas. It was actually embarrassing to watch, passes were constantly a yard short and i thought Glory were playing aussie rules the amount of times the ball was bombed forward to Andy Keogh, and that must have been instructed...then there was the torture of witnessing Ruben Zadkovich trying to impose himself in midfield. Keogh,Nebo and Risdon even though he was sent off were the only players in yellow and black who can say they gave their all. Real shame and i have no doubt the players are hurting more than anyone because they sold themselves short. The squad have shown they have a bit of steel about them so i don't believe the season is going to collapse now by any means it may even galvanize the team to push on even more.