The Asian Champions League is the one tournament where the A-League clubs can show what they can do in front of the whole Asian footballing community.
So far, the Western Sydney Wanderers are the only team to get their hands on that trophy, led by the current Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic. But is the only Australian coach to win the ACL enough to steer Perth to Asian glory?
Perth destroyed the A-League this season, recording an outstanding 18 wins in just 27 games, with only three losses. They showed outstanding consistency but crumbled at the final hurdle, losing to Sydney FC on penalties in the grand final.
Nevertheless, they showed outstanding depth in their squad, and last season was a revelation for a team that finished eighth in the 2017-18 campaign.
A-League teams always seem to crumble in Asia. Although there is a considerable gap in quality, Western Sydney showed that what seems impossible can be done.
This season, Sydney FC had a mixed ACL campaign, but they never seemed to get rolling, and probably could have benefited from less fixture congestion. The same could be said for Melbourne Victory, although their efforts were a lot more disappointing due to the squad they had.
But is that where Perth Glory have the lead on other Australian clubs?
Tony Popovic was the only coach who managed to use his full squad depth, and if Perth chose to focus on the ACL, they would definitely be contenders to make the knock-out stages and maybe even pull off a dramatic surprise and clinch the trophy.
But what makes Perth so different from the rest of the A-League, and why should they be contenders?
The Glory have one of the best coaches in Asia, let alone Australia.
Popovic brings a different level of consistency and knows how to utilise his players’ abilities to get the best out of them. The formation he has set up shows that, with each of his players getting to play their preferred position.
He utilises the hard-nosed defensive skills of Dino Djulbic and Shane Lowry, as well as the composure and vision of Matthew Spiranovic, Neil Kilkenny and Juande. He gets the best out of the attacking part of Ivan Franjic and Jason Davidson while applying their defensive assets perfectly. He exploits the creativity of Diego Castro and Chris Ikonomidis and gets the best out of Andy Keogh’s clinical ability.
That was the line-up that beat Wellington Phoenix 5-0 playing the style needed to beat some of the biggest teams in Asia.
It was free-flowing, beautiful, attacking football that was stunning to watch. It may not have been as exhilarating as their semi-final win over Adelaide United or the 4-3 victory over the Wanderers, but from a tactical point of view, it was one of the most exciting things that we’ve seen all season.
It gave Perth Glory fans hope just before the finals, but it gave me hope that an Australian team can flourish in Asia.
It is a really exciting prospect, and although Perth have lost key player Jason Davidson among others, they seem to have what it takes.
They have shown they’re consistent and that they can rotate their squad comfortably. And although they have next to no experience against Asian teams, Tony Popovic could be enough.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Are they a better squad yes, but are they are a better squad if they are parking the bus, thats questionable, Poppa had four center backs in the ACL finals and taller more defensively minded midfielders. Poppa generally used his first choice team in the A-league in the group stage , and his reserve team in the ACL. But at least he didn't try to use the same players in both. Then he didn't bother recruiting players before the ACL squad deadline.
Chen Yang
Roar Pro
Djulbic isnt quality anymore, esp with tratt coming in
Chen Yang
Roar Pro
Nah, Djulbic for an npl team. Keogh and chianese for a lower ranked a league side, i just dont think theyre that good. Esp keogh, he seems to have regressed a lot since his first few seasons. Of course, age is a factor, but hes lost more than the usual half a step
Brendan
Roar Pro
Poppa convincing Foraroli to play for Perth was a masterstroke. The Uruguayan has been itching to play football for an eternity, and will most likely impress Glory fans.
Jack George
Roar Guru
Lacks quality? Diego Castro, Chris Ikodomidis, Andy Keogh, Niel Kilkenny, Juande, Ivan Franjic, Dino Dulbic, Shane Lowry and Matthew Spiranovic and Liam Reddy, as well as Bruno Fornaroli? It may be old, but it certainly doesn't lack quality. Perth has also bought Nicholas Dagostino, and have Chianese for pace, with more signings coming in. And although the team is old, it works, and I'm not talking about how they'll do over the next 10 years, I'm talking about how they'll do this season.
Jack George
Roar Guru
But would you agree that this Perth squad is better than the Wanderers squad? Also, a key factor could be whether Poppa chooses to focus on winning the league or winning the ACL.
Jack George
Roar Guru
Djulbic and Keogh at npl level? No way. Same with Chianese. Those key players for the Premiers of the A-League don't deserve the titles of being 'npl' level.
Jack George
Roar Guru
Not sure Tim Cahill would be too happy with that arrival!
RF
Roar Rookie
Answer is no. The squad is too old, lacks pace and quality across the park. The opposition has improved in the last five years, and the A League has gone backwards. I don't except Perth to escape the group stage.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Popovic rotated his squad in the group stages, only had a B squad in the elimination stages and parked the bus. If he parks the bus then maybe he gets lucky again.
Chen Yang
Roar Pro
perth has a good squad but its too old. Id love to see them move djulbic, keogh, and chianese on, in that order of priority. Esp, he should drop to npl level
Buddy
Roar Rookie
When WSW won the ACL final in 2014-15 it was on the back of an enormous amount of squad rotation and a very poor showing in the domestic competition when they finished 9th. I believe FFA have changed the way A-League games are scheduled in order to help ACL participants now so I’m hoping Popa can revive his winning methods and take PG much further than any Aussie team has gone since 2015.
Redondo
Roar Rookie
Yohan Cabaye!!!
Redondo
Roar Rookie
Someone like Andre Martins - not too expensive
Redondo
Roar Rookie
I’m expecting (hoping) SFC will spend big on a really good central midfielder, someone who can properly run a game for them. They rely on Ninkovic to do too much and he is getting on a bit. I’m not sure they can do much else with salary cap as it currently stands. Perth should do well with the players they have...Castro with Fornaroli, and Kilkenny behind looks very strong. Although, young Diego isn’t...
Jack George
Roar Guru
I agree, but Perth has shown more consistency and also has a big squad of players who are capable. Removal in the salary cap would do wonders, but for now, I'm suggesting that Perth could bring Australian football back into the competitiveness of Asia.
Redondo
Roar Rookie
I’m saying the gap is small, and relaxing or removing the salary cap would make a big difference to results. SFC were very competitive in the ACL - a bit of luck and they would have won a couple of games they drew. They had a thin squad and a few weak spots made the difference, nothing that a little spending wouldn’t easily fix.
Jack George
Roar Guru
Fixing the salary cap would do wonderers for our quality. But if our lack of competitiveness isn't because of the lack of quality, then why is it?
Redondo
Roar Rookie
I don’t agree that there is a considerable gap in quality between A-League teams and foreign teams in the ACL. Fixing the salary cap would do wonders for our competitiveness.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Will be an interesting to see if Keogh and Fornaroli will get their Australian citizenship in time. TBH, i don't the Wanderers success will ever be repeated but making it to the knockout would be great. Hopefully Sydney can do the same.