Western Sydney coach Tony Popovic has told his players to soak up as much of Saturday night’s derby atmosphere as they can.
Emotions are set to run high in the Wanderers’ first game of the A-League season – a cracking clash with Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium.
Popovic trusted his squad to channel their passion into a winning performance, urging them to indulge their senses in front of more than 60,000 fans.
“They have to embrace it,” Popovic said.
“They’ll have butterflies – if they don’t they’re not human.
“You’re walking out to a huge crowd.
“They should embrace what they feel and know that when the game starts they’re very well-prepared to put on a good show.”
Off-season recruit Steven Lustica is used to playing in front of Western Sydney’s active supporter group, the Red and Black Bloc, as an opponent with former club Brisbane.
He was eager to experience their fervent support for the first time.
“Playing against the Wanderers was always the game you look forward to the most because of the atmosphere they create at their home games,” Lustica said.
“The passion, you can really sense and feel it.
“That type of atmosphere is something you always strive to play in.
“On Saturday night it’s going to be even bigger and louder.”
Such a blockbuster clash would have seemed unimaginable five years ago when the Wanderers were first conceived and running on next to nothing.
But Popovic always envisioned it.
“Maybe not so soon,” Popovic said.
“But when you do a trial game at the start, and you have only five players signed and 4000 people show up, you know that this is possible.
“I’m proud that this great club can host a game here at ANZ, and to have the numbers expected tomorrow is phenomenal.”
marron
Guest
Did they ever....
MatthewSkellett
Guest
Here lining up to get in -its got cold and overcast very quickly -plenty of peeps though - WSW fans outnumbering SFC fans at least 10 to One :-)
punter
Guest
See you are game Marron, may the best team win.
Onside
Guest
I hope it's a great game.Gonna miss it; been told by my wife I must go to a dinner party. A 2 all draw would be special. ( yeah I know , a Roar supporter would say that). Pity it's not FTA , just so the rest of Australia could see the game and a massive crowd. Aussies love sport. Even though they all have their favourite codes, these games rate. It's not so much HAL is in competition,but rather that HAL gives viewers something extra. Too much sport is not enough. Have a wonderful night everybody !
marron
Guest
Is that why you couldn't sell out any of your allocations punter, you people need directions in song? 1..... 2..... 3..... VEST!!!
punter
Guest
Breathe guys!!!
AZ_RBB
Guest
7 hours to go.....
Josh
Guest
Where's the harbour ? Where's Moore Park road ? Where's Sydney FC ? East East East !!!
AZ_RBB
Guest
You remember the words? There's a first for a SFC fan.
punter
Guest
I'm breathing AZ, deep in, exhale, deep in exhale. We are Sydney The famous Sydney FC We come from the Habour city The boys from the Moore park Road We are Sydney!!!!
AZ_RBB
Guest
*deep breath*
pete4
Guest
Round 1 so anything is possible. The tactical mindset of both coaches will say a lot in the outcome although you get the feeling the big pressure is on Arnold not to lose this