Wanderers striker Alex Meier has admitted losing influential midfielder Pirmin Schwegler so early affected the balance of the squad, but believes the Red & Black continued to show great spirit in the 0-0 draw with Brisbane Roar on Saturday at Bankwest Stadium.
Wanderers striker Alex Meier has admitted losing influential midfielder Pirmin Schwegler so early affected the balance of the squad, but believes the Red & Black continued to show great spirit in the 0-0 draw with Brisbane Roar on Saturday at Bankwest Stadium.
Western Sydney remain unbeaten after the opening four games of the Hyundai A-League season but dropped their first points of the season in a hard-fought contest against the Roar.
Schwegler had to be replaced on 17 minutes after suffering an injury, forcing head coach Markus Babbel into an early change with Tass Mourdoukoutas coming into the role.
“Of course, he is the most important player for us, the best player we have,” said Meier when asked if Schwegler’s injury affected the side.
“He is the guy who conducts the play. If he is missing, of course it would be difficult but we can’t have an excuse because one or two players are missing.
“We have enough players and everyone is good.”
The German striker said the team was disappointed they could not put on a better performance but praised the fighting quality in the team this season.
“We didn’t play good, but everyone keep fighting for each other and the result was I think ok because the other team had not so great chances either,” said Meier.
“We were not so sharp and aggressive enough in the beginning, especially in the first half, the second half was a little bit better.
“It was not so good from us, but we didn’t get a goal (against us), so a point is good. If somebody said after four games we would have 10 points I would be happy.”
Meier predicted new signing Nicolai Muller will be quick to make an impact once he has settled in properly.
Muller came on for his Wanderers debut for the last 30 minutes of the match and showed some of the qualities of his eight years playing in the Bundesliga.
“Of course he will be good for us. You saw today already when he came in (on the field) with his first touch, he can turn and has great ideas (vision). He can help us a lot,” Meier added.
