The Wanderers are ready to turn their season around according to head coach Markus Babbel.
While new signing Simon Cox won’t be available for Sunday’s Hyundai A-League game against Perth Glory at Bankwest Stadium, Babbel believes the Red & Black are on the right road to making the playoffs.
Western Sydney sit in eighth spot but, significantly, are just a point outside of the top six and Babbel believes the finals are well within reach.
“If we fix a few things then I am very optimistic we will get the right results and play a better style of football,” said Babbel.
“Everything that the supporters expect, we can bring it on the pitch.
“It’s up to us, no-one else … the truth is on the pitch.”
The Wanderers face a formidable task against a Glory side that has been growing in confidence. The West Australians are on a five-game winning streak that includes a 2-0 home win against the Red & Black a month ago.
Tony Popovic’s men have really hit a hot patch of form having scored 17 goals in those five wins and climbing to the third spot with 21 points.
Still, Babbel is not daunted by the prospect of playing the defending Hyundai A-League Premiers.
“What I like in this league, maybe Sydney FC has it over the others, but the rest of the league is 50-50 games,” said Babbel.
“We know this (Perth) is an experienced side with a lot of individual quality, but if we stay in the structure then they will have a problem with us.
“If we don’t then they have the quality to hurt us.”
Of the club’s Finals hopes, the German remains ever buoyant.
The Hyundai A-League has only just hit the half-way mark and there are 13 games (39 points) available. There are just four points separating fifth and ninth spot with the Wanderers still well in the mix despite recording just one win in their past 10 games.
“I still feel we can have the turnaround and we can come in the playoffs,” Babbel said.
“This is the target. If you look at the (competition) table this is not a big step to do, but we have to do it.
“We are not getting more games, we are getting less so we have to start getting points.
“The season is not finished. We are working hard. Don’t worry, we will come in the top six and (then) everything is possible.”
