Western Sydney coach Markus Babbel says the Wanderers must throw away the fear that is shackling them if they are to be successful this A-League season.
Western Sydney resembled a “rabbit in front of a snake” against Melbourne Victory says their own coach Markus Babbel.
Babbel saw his side slump to its second A-League loss in as many weeks on Saturday night, backing up a 2-0 defeat by Newcastle with a 4-0 thumping at Marvel Stadium.
The Wanderers boss could stomach the first loss but not the nature of the second.
“Last week was totally different. We played a really good style of football, created many many chances. Couldn’t score, okay, we lost the game. But this I can understand or accept,” he said.
“We can lose, okay … but it’s how you lose.
“You don’t get a present from the other teams. It’s like real life, you have to fight for everything.
“If you’re not fighting for everything, there’s no chance to deserve anything.
“Today was a step backwards.”
Western Sydney were a shambles at times, with an absent-minded midfield and too many mistakes at the back.
Asked the old maxim of whether Victory looked good or the Wanderers made them looked good, Babbel said “the second answer is correct”.
“They deserved the win (but) the first half we were not existent on the pitch,” he said.
“We had too much fear for them. It was like a rabbit in front of a snake.
“Like men against boys.
“(I saw the fear) after one minute.”
The Wanderers must regroup for a crunch Friday night clash against Central Coast Mariners next Friday night, which pits two of the league’s bottom three clubs against each other.
Babbel said he was confident of a rebound even if he had no prospect of changing personnel any time soon.
“This is the team. To be fair, I’m happy with them. I like the boys. But today, I am angry.”
Fadida
Guest
Babel's "boys v men" comment at half time was spot on. Majok and Kamau are NPL quality at best. Baccus incredibly lightweight. They are weak in central defence, Hammill as captain shows the total lack of onfield leadership. Riera is their best and only goalscoring hope. MV identified that and did their best to kick him out of the game
M
Guest
The coach's assessment of his teams' perfotmance is spot on. They will have a lot to work on this week. They pose no threat up front, despite having speed to burn and the bench options offer little more. Their midfield tried hard and managed to keep shape but lacked any cohesion. Defense, well there are major problems here. Was it just the wrong selections or a bad day at the office? Over to you coach.