Head coach Markus Babbel believes last week’s bye came at the right time for the Red & Black as they prepare for their blockbuster clash against Hyundai A-League competition leaders Melbourne City at Bankwest Stadium on Friday night.
Head coach Markus Babbel believes last week’s bye came at the right time for the Red & Black as they prepare for their blockbuster clash against Hyundai A-League competition leaders Melbourne City at Bankwest Stadium on Friday night.
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Despite coming off a 2-1 loss to Western United two weeks ago, the Wanderers first defeat of the season, Babbel has said the squad is in good shape and spirits for a match that could see the Red & Black jump to the top of the table with a win.
“The boys are looking good,” said Babbel.
“For us, it was an important break because we have some players who we could work with individually because they came late, not 100 percent fit, so it helped us a lot.
“For (German imports) Nicolai Muller and Alex Meier, it was very important for them and it was the case for the players who have already played a lot this season.
“All the boys looked very fresh at training yesterday.”
When quizzed about the importance of Meier to the side, Babbel had nothing but praise for the tall striker.
“He is a top signing for us … very important not only for the team that he is starting, but for our young ones,” explained Babbel.
“He shows them how professional football works, not only on the pitch but also before and after training.
“Of course, the mistake what many people are doing is they only see the goals and if he is scoring many then he is a top striker and if he is only scoring one goal he is not so good.
“But, if you see his work rate against the ball, especially the last couple of games when we have not been playing the best style and have not had the possession, it is fantastic.
“Of course, I wish he could score more goals because it would be good for us, but if that is not happening then I want to see players fighting for the result, which he is doing all the time.”
The Wanderers will have to content with on-form City striker Jamie Maclaren, who is the league’s top scorer this season with seven goals to his name and will be coming off a hat-trick against Brisbane Roar last week.
“There are some reasons why Melbourne City is on top of the table. They are a strong side and bring good intensity on the pitch and if we are not prepared then they have the quality to beat us,” added Babbel.
“If we bring our quality then we can beat them especially on our home ground.
“Maclaren is top striker so we know what’s going on, so it is up to us now to handle this.
“He is smart and not a player who will beat three, four or five players. He is doing fantastic forward runs and, in the box, if you give him space, he is taking it.
“What I showed the boys is that if they are not close enough with him then you have a problem.”
