After back-to-back man-of-the-match performances, Nicolás Martínez has hinted the best is yet to come.
The silky Argentine turned in another masterful performance against the Mariners on Saturday, scoring a rare header and a setting up another goal in the 4-1 win at Gosford.
With two goals and three assists now to his name this season, the number 10 says he feels as though he’s improving with every passing game.
“I feel much fitter, very strong because we work hard every week,” he said before training this morning.
“You don’t have time to relax and this is good. I’m happy because compared with the time that I arrived I’m much fitter.”
Having arrived in Western Sydney in the back-end of pre-season, Martínez admits that it took a bit of time to adapt to the league and style of play in Australia.
“The dynamic here is amazing… you run a lot, counter-attack, you must defend, you have to be strong.
“That’s why in the beginning it was maybe a little bit difficult but now I am getting fitter and I’m getting used to this.”
The 29-year-old says he’s beginning to form a real connection with his teammates, particularly fellow midfielders Jumpei and Mitch Nichols.
“With Mitch, before he receives the ball he knows where I am or where Jumpei is. Jumpei can go into space, he can deliver, he’s a very complete player and I think that we’re getting along very good on the pitch.”
“[Mitch] is a very smart guy to play with. And he runs. He’s amazing; I say he’s a horse like in the Melbourne Cup!”
The next challenge for Nico and co comes in the form of Saturday’s heavyweight clash with Melbourne Victory at ANZ Stadium.
“They are a very good team. [Marco] Rojas is a very good winger. They play I think a lot of counter-attack; they like to run in behind and we must be careful because they are very fast up front.
“But also they have to worry about us. We have a very good team and it’s going to be a nice match.”
Martínez was very impressed with the vocal contingent of fans who travelled to the Central Coast last week and says he’s hoping the team can match that enthusiasm on the pitch against the Victory.
“The last match was amazing, the crowd. We need this every match and we are going to try and return all this faith they have in us.”
