Some 8000 kilometres from home, Western Sydney could find themselves again. A memorable Asian Champions League title is still firmly in the memory, the barometer by which the club’s ongoing struggles are judged.
It’s juxtaposition in its most raw form; a lengthy hangover that prompted a great deal of soul searching at Wanderers HQ. Still with just the 1 win from 16 attempts this season, that night in Riyadh continues to shelter a period of wicked turbulence.
It proved a game-changing moment in many ways for the Wanderers. The first milestone was quickly followed by another – the end of chapter one.
The curtain closed on one of the most emphatic opening acts ever performed by a fledgling club. And so we witnessed the by-product of the monopoly that is the A-League.
With little more to lose than morale and with the help of an Asian Cup break, the Wanderers embarked on a mid-season overhaul. In came Yusuke Tanaka, Sam Gallaway, Kerem Bulut and Yojiro Takahagi. Out went Vitor Saba, Seyi Adeleke, Kwabena Appiah and Daniel Mullen. A shake up by mid-season standards in the A-League.
Tony Popovic provided the luxury of lifting his eggs from the league basket and focusing his weight on both next season and the Asian Champions League.
If the Wanderers are to salvage something from the current A-League campaign, they needed to return from the Asian Cup break full of vigour. Two defeats, a draw and a win tamed any hopes of a resurrection and provided a realisation that Popovic’s new plans will take time to mould.
The road to redemption could begin tonight when their ACL title defence gets underway against Kashima Antlers. Wanderers may source some inspiration from Borussia Dortmund’s capricious season – the Bundesliga giants experiencing vastly different fortunes on the continental and domestic fronts until a fortnight ago.
Only eighth-placed Central Coast remain in reach for Western Sydney and it matters little whether they finish eighth or two places below with the wooden spoon. It means there will be greater emphasis on the Champions League. Few will give them a chance, but that’s where they thrive.
In a way, tonight’s match represents the beginning of chapter two for the Wanderers. Although Matt Spiranovic denies the club’s off-field issues and on-field struggles will provide added motivation.
“I wouldn’t say we’re any more determined. I just think going into this tournament it’s a fresh start, a massive opportunity for the club and the players and everyone involved. That’s something I know everyone has been looking forward to.
“But we’ve done it before, in both the A-League and the Champions League, and we’re really looking forward to the challenge ahead. To be able to hold the trophy last campaign was a magnificent achievement and something very special. We’ll be doing everything we can to defend that title.”
There could be another sign of the Wanderers’ new direction tonight, with January addition Kerem Bulut in line to make his debut for the club.
It’s a fresh start, too, for the 23-year-old, who gained valuable experience in the Turkish and Czech leagues but will be determined to return to regular first-team football.
Much of the conjecture surrounding Bulut since his signing has been based on his past – ‘Controversial’ and ‘talented’ among the go-to descriptions. Few have seen Bulut play in the flesh since he left Australia, his appearances for the Joeys and Young Socceroos aside.
It’s a clean slate for the striker, who has a chance to carve out his own image and shake off the prejudice that has been so loosely attached to him over the last month. It will surely bring him great joy to be judged on his prowess in front of goal rather than his past.
Before we see him run out on the pitch, we can at least be assured that he has done plenty right to earn the respect of Popovic – a man who has made some astute signings and equally shrewd culls. There isn’t a free ride into this Wanderers side and the fact Bulut has already emerged as a contender to lead the line is a positive sign of his determination.
Parramatta and a defective A-League season will seem a world away when the Wanderers run out in Kashima tonight. Their path won’t be set after 90 minutes, but it could set the tone for a return to the Western Sydney of old.
ciudadmarron
Guest
Truth is often stranger than satire. Or something...
AZ_RBB
Guest
The football website For Modern Football reported months ago that A-League was simply being treated as an ACL pre-season by the Wanderers.
ciudadmarron
Guest
There were still issues britespark. A big gap in front of the midfield, although they were using takahagi better. Golec was well off his best. Despite takahagi being used a bit better, and them getting to the byline more often, the interplay up front was still slow and obvious and a bit hit and hope. Kashima had several really good chances. It was still better than what's been happening in the a-league largely but the issues were the same - the difference was, we got on the scoresheet (more than once!), and we didn't fall asleep after going ahead - or when we copped a goal.
Josh
Guest
Nah they are suffering from season interrupted, there'll be some tired players right now and that won't help playing East Sydney FC on saturday night then backing it up against one of the dirtiest teams in Asia next wednesday night.
britesparke
Roar Rookie
Now then.....this begs the question. Have the Wanderers been "foxing" about the A League and leaving their real focus for the ACL? A 3-1 scoreline against Kashima Antlers (no easybeats by any means) is almost a stunning form reversal compared to their A League form. Lucky this is not the racing industry-the stewards will be all over them like a cheap suit ;-)
britesparke
Roar Rookie
Bridgey gets two -well done son! :)
britesparke
Roar Rookie
Mitchell had the crystal ball out and must have known what was coming. A terrific win away against Kashima Antlers (3-1). Great win boys and Bridgey gets a goal (formerly MIA now on the scoresheet!). In my last post, I said that football can be a funny thing -maybe just maybe. I am stoked for them -this should pick them up off the floor. :)
Ian
Guest
yes it does. still got it recorded on the foxtel IQ box, and on dvd. so it's only a flick of a remote control away. ;-)
Josh
Guest
Sounds like a plan. There has to be a common denominator in this form slump & it's not the coach.
AZ_RBB
Guest
That fateful day last May feels like an eternity ago now, doesn't it? lol
Ian
Guest
understandable. feel the same way at suncorp. long time between drinks - Nov 30, then Dec 26. our home game against you in december rescheduled to mid week in March and play you on a sunday two weeks prior. friday night washout rescheduled to what looks like mid april and we may be having Roar v Victory twice in 4 days at suncorp. plus throw in our ACL games not at suncorp and odd is a good word for it.
SVB
Guest
I think the player that most misses Ante Milicic's presence is Mark Bridge. I remember at the games watching Ante always running up to our strikers and attacking mids, and explaining where to run, when to run and how to position yourself. This was before the game, at half time and after the game. Mark Bridge was a dangerous and half decent player before Ante left. He was a big reason why we won the premiership in our first season. He is really not worth playing anymore. I notice with Popa and Ian Crook there is no instructions or advice given to any of our forwards or mids. They seem to have to work things out on their own. Maybe we can give Ian Crook back to Sydney FC :)
AZ_RBB
Guest
It's been such an odd season at Wanderland. We had no home games in the first couple of months then those 4 games in 2 weeks last November then nothing for 5 weeks, then 2 more in a week then nothing for 7 weeks now. But for the next couple of months I'm trying to see if I can rent a room at the stadium.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Fortress............its a bit of a sand castle nowadays. We haven't had a win at the stadium this year.
Gazmon
Guest
Legs? It's the first game of the group stage....
Bondy
Guest
The Wanderers have nothing to lose over these two legs, they face insurmountable challenge also due to salary capped conditions of the A League 'as we all do" unlike other Asian Clubs . A lot of the Wanderers achievements came through being a new Club, new everything. Now prominent players for them in the past have moved on Ono was the great inspirer who pulled the strings going forward for them and realistically they've not played the same without him .. Good luck to them though at least we get a game to watch tonight ..
Josh
Guest
The sky is not falling, the A League season is a write off but in a few days we are back at fortress wanderland.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Popa needs to look at himself and his philosophy on football. It must be hard for him to fathom that his way of winning a football match is not working. His ego would be taking a bit of a beating right now because he keeps on saying "we have a belief in the team in what we do". Well that belief I think is being sorely tested and something has got to give. At what point do you question your own beliefs. How do you change things if you staunchly believe in your way of doing things. It will be more of the same unless Popa can properly question and reflect on how he goes about doing things. The next 6-12 months could be a very looooong time.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Unlikely haha but thanks for the positive article. Could do with a bit of optimism right now lol Regardless of form and fortunes, I can't wait for the 3 matches at Parra.
LordBrucie
Guest
Good on ya grimmers! Perhaps the wanderers can play in the Asian comp the whole time, they don't seem to doing too well in the a league (one win for the entire season and we are nearly in March people!).