It’s all about James Troisi this week if the papers are anything to go by while Alberto, Golgol and Jamieson also get a mention this week.
The Herald Sun and the Adelaide Advertiser both linked James Troisi’s potential return to the Hyundai A-League as an Australian marquee.
“A-League clubs are circling Asian Cup star James Troisi, who revealed that a return ‘home’ remains a possibility. Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney looming as his most likely homes, with both having ‘Australian marquee player’ vacancies.
“I’m open but whether it’s Europe, Asia, the Middle East or the A-League, it has to be the right move,’’ Troisi told News Corp.
“I’m not 21 any more, I’m 27 and I’ve been travelling quite a bit so I’m looking for a bit more security. If it’s the A-League though then I would be prepared to accept something more short-term.
“It’s only a few weeks before the transfer window closes so if nothing happens then I may have to go to Juve.’’
Troisi, 27, scored five goals in 21 games for his Belgian club last season and is currently in Adelaide training with Socceroos physio Les Gelis.
Remember, player signings will always be confirmed here first at wswanderersfc.com.au
It’s been a busy week from player speculation to salary cap controversy and The Australian spoke to CEO John Tsatsimas about the new changes.
The fact the head body has decided the cap changes should be implemented immediately also means that some clubs will be affected because they have already reached their allocated five-visa-player quota for this season, notably Sydney FC and Western Sydney.
So, they are restricted to filling a marquee spot with an Australian. But the Wanderers were not prepared to publicly criticise the changes.
“We are happy with our (foreign) acquisitions,” Wanderers chief executive John Tsatsimas told The Australian.
“The salary cap framework probably needed to progress as the league has matured and it provides a bit more flexibility for clubs to tailor their recruitment strategies to their respective needs and various opportunities that may surface.”
Tom Smithies and The Daily Telegraph reported that Spanish midfielder Andreu would be sidelined for at least a month.
The Spanish midfielder was in knee brace and in some discomfort yesterday after scans revealed strains to his medial ligaments, suffered in a challenge late in Tuesday’s win over Brisbane.
Though coach Tony Popovic was relieved to learn the damage wasn’t worse, it means Andreu is facing a race to be match fit for the start of the season.
“We’re happy he hasn’t suffered something more severe, and there’s nothing we can do,” Popovic said.
“Already it feels just a touch better to him than it did the day before — so that’s promising.”
Fan favourite Scott Jamieson spoke to The World Game about Tony Popovic’s tough love.
“I really appreciate Popa being up-front. If I can say it, he’s a no bullshit kind of man and says it how it is and that’s what I really want and need.
“From day one, he’s had me working on my technique and the flaws. He has brought things to my attention that I need to work on and, as I said, long may it continue.
“Joining the Wanderers was a decision where I’m 26 and I want to get better. I want to get out of my comfort zone. I really wanted to be told the truth.
“Some players want to get told how good they are and I want to get told how bad I am so I can work on these things and this manager is willing to do that – and give me one or two pats on the back along the way, when I deserve it.”
“I’m loving it here. It’s a special club. I’m sure you’ve probably heard that from one or two players before, but it’s true. The mentality, the professionalism, it makes me enjoy going to training and want to get better.”
See you next week for another edition of WTPS!
