Wanderers head coach Markus Babbel has backed his players to turn things around against Wellington Phoenix at Eden Park on Saturday night.
You can watch the match live on ABC or FOX SPORTS.
While they have played some of their best football of the season in the past two games against Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets, bad luck and some crucial decisions against them has led the Red & Black to successive defeats.
It has been a frustrating period for the Wanderers who started the season on a high with three wins and a draw from their opening four games.
Importantly, however, the Wanderers still hold down fourth spot on the ladder, just two points off third-placed Adelaide United and six off second-placed Melbourne City.
A win against the Phoenix will change the dynamics of the season and a bullish Babbel remains confident the players are ready for the trip across the ditch.
“They are not machines, they are human,” said Babbel.
“These things can happen in football but we have to fix it.
“If we stay in our structure and have the discipline for the 90 minutes then we have much more quality to show.
“But, also I want them to be brave, do whatever you have to do in your position and you will see a good change.”
Babbel said he is still seeing positive signs from the playing group, notably in the game against Melbourne City and in the second half against the Jets.
The Wanderers deserved at least a draw against City but were undone by a last minute winner from the visitors, while they showed plenty of spirit in the second half against the Jets.
“Ok, what I see is that we did not play well against Brisbane and Western United but then we started to play better football against City and Newcastle, there were positive signs,” explained Babbel.
“So, what we need to do now is to bring everything together – a good performance on the pitch and also to get a result.”
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While the Wanderers have a full squad to choose from, Babbel insisted there is no need to make too many changes either in personnel or the playing style.
“If I would change everything it means I wouldn’t do a good job because it is not a big difference to before when we won,” added Babbel.
“This is football. You can’t win every game, you can’ always be on top.
“The boys, I see them every week in training. Everyone has the chance to come in the team.
“But, otherwise, I trust every single player and hope the team can show a reaction now because we are not happy with the last games, especially last month … the whole of November was really bad for us.
“The good thing is, it is December and now have the chance to bring us in a better position.”
