Aussie teams often fall at the first hurdle within the cutthroat confines of the ACL.
It is a theme repeated, where players and managers big up their chances before the tournament only to fall flat on their faces afterwards.
Graham Arnold proclaimed in the 2017-18 season that they would win the ACL. They ended up slinking back home after the group stages.
Yet a solitary ray has pierced the darkness for the 2019-20 season. While Arnold’s Sydney and Muscat’s Melbourne Victory could be depended to make up the numbers, they are, thankfully, not the main focus this year.
No, for in this season, the spotlight belongs to Tony Popovic’s Glory. His purple-clad troops would certainly be aiming to repeat the heroic triumph madeby the Wanderers a la 2014.
Yet, as fine a manager as Popovic is, a bladesmith is only as good as his tools. Unfortunately, some of those in the purple ranks aren’t the sharpest, whether due to the degeneration of age, a sharp loss of form, or a simple lack of ability to cut it at a regional level.
Let’s take a look at some of these players below
1) Dino Djulbic
A magnificent leader of men, the club stalwart has lost more than a yard of pace in seasons past.
He would likely be bamboozled by the fast, technical style of football in the ACL.
Should be retained in a coaching capacity if possible, however.
Possible replacements
Ben Warland (Sydney FC)
Steven Taylor (Wellington Pheonix)
Brandon Hamill (Free Agent)
2) Andy Keogh
A fox in the box style striker, the blond maestro has played for some of the biggest clubs in England’s second tier.
Yet, his touch and control remains surprisingly poor for someone of his pedigree. At the wrong side of 30, he should be shipped out to make way for a fast strike partner to support Bruno Fornaroli.
Possible replacements
Alejandro Sanchez (Sydney Olympic)
Dylan Wenzel-Halls (Brisbane Roar)
Lachlan Wales (Melbourne City)
3) Joel Chianese
A poor man’s Chris Oikonomidis, Chianese has certainly improved under Popovic’s management. His touch and dribbling are hardly the best, though, and he doesn’t quite offer a steady presence on the ball.
His age is a factor going for him, however, and his inclusion here is a debatable one.
Possible replacements
Ramy Najjarine (Melbourne City)
Kofi Danning (NPL)
Mitchell Mallia (NPL)
So, what do you think of these inclusions? Is this the way to secure success?
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I dont think you really understand the ACL, Arnold is beyond clueless, you need players with big engines who can play multiple matches, Chianese and Davidson would be the only two players in the Perth squad you could rely on. The rest are suspect. Parking the bus is the only way the current Perth squad could handle the ACL. Just too slow and not fit enough across the park apart from the two I mentioned.
Bruz
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately the A-League can’t keep up with the invested-high quality Asian teams, without a current salary cap. The possible replacements are definitely not up to ACL standard.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
I'd sign Perth SC defender Jordan De Leo to replace Djulbic. 23 years old, played all 12 games, and the team has conceded 9 goals.
Buddy
Roar Rookie
ACL is often a game of “cat and mouse” it isn’t played the same way as A League games and I often feel that is the mistake that aussie teams make. Either that or they really aren’t interested. It certainly isn’t just about pace and foot races across the park. I feel you might be over thinking the situation in relation to the squad. I have no wish to be rude about any of the players mentioned as possible replacements on the list but there are names there that I don’t believe should be considered for A League let alone the premier side of this season. Popa will add some short term contract players for ACL games and rotate the squad so doubtless there will be a few surprise names come into the picture. I really hope he and the team give it a real crack next season, we need an injection of something in this competition. All we tend to do is complain about salary caps and travel and the like.... I want to see something different!
Waz
Roar Rookie
I cant see how any of your replacements will improve Glory I’m afraid?