Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Markus Babbel says the club has put the disappointment and frustration of last season behind them and is ready to give the members and fans plenty to cheer about in the Hyundai A-League this season.
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Speaking on the eve of the club’s long-awaited Hyundai A-League return to Wanderland for the opening game against Central Coast Mariners, an upbeat Babbel could not hide his delight and enthusiasm with the way the club and the players have approached the new season.
In his quest to rejuvenate the Wanderers, Babbel specifically targeted a group of new signings, both foreign and local, who have brought a different culture to the playing group this season.
“With this group, there are no problems. If there is a problem we work together and see how we can we fix it,” said Babbel.
“We don’t hear any problems anymore. We ask for solutions and we want to be a club who finds solutions all the time rather than problems.
“Last year was difficult because I could not do a lot with the team. It was not always easy for us coaches to get everything out because of the frustration in the team, the relationship in the team was not the best.
“It was very difficult to motivate them, to push them because there were too many selfish players in the squad, but it is different now and this is why I have a good feeling.
“We have good characters now, players with the right reason (to want to be at the Wanderers), not only the foreigners but players like Matt Jurman, also Dylan McGowan. They could have stayed overseas but they liked this project. They are exactly the players I wanted.
“All the new players are so much easier to work with. The work ethic is much better than last year.
“No-one is crying anymore because training is too hard or whatever.
“It is a different atmosphere and they are enjoying it and want to learn.”
The German has placed high expectations for the club and says they are matched by the playing group.
“Of course, we want to finish better than last year,” said Babbel.
“We were all not happy with last season. I don’t want to finish 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th.
“Now we could do some changes and I want to see this on the pitch. Of course, the target is always the finals.
“I have a belief we are stronger now … we have team spirit now and individually we have more quality now.
“If we can bring this on the pitch then I can imagine we can play a good role in this league. I trust the boys and if they show me what I see for the last two and a half months in training then we can play a big part.”
