The season for Perth Glory is getting harder and harder.
After going three weeks without a game, the team from the West are about to play their third game in seven days and it could not get any tougher as their next game is against table-toppers Sydney FC.
Despite having picked up just one point in their last two games, coach Alex Epakis was upbeat about his team’s prospects when he spoke to the media on Friday afternoon.
“I certainly feel like we have the players to get some type of result against Sydney,” he said, “and although it might be a different eleven to the Adelaide or Canberra game, I’ve still got 100% confidence that the group can do what they need to do.
“I’ll back these players to the mountains to put on a good show tomorrow.”
Even though there are obvious concerns about fatigue amongst the group, he feels that there are positives to draw from having played two games in such rapid succession.
“Now we’ve had two games to get the cobwebs out after the three weeks off, I don’t see any reason why we should not back ourselves to get some sort of result against Sydney.
“There will be a few players that get an opportunity to start tomorrow and hopefully they’ll bring a different x-factor and different energy and enthusiasm which can help the group go to another level.”
Striker Susan Phonsonkgham was also confident that the team could put on a good show.
“It will be a hard game, a tough game,” she said, “it will be a good challenge for us to see where we’re at.”
There is no doubt that the partnership Phonsongkham is forging with American import Cyera Hintzen and the hard running of fellow forward Gemma Craine will be vital for Glory, if they are to upset the form book and get a result against the undefeated Sky Blues. It will be of equal importance for veteran Kim Carroll and her fellow defenders to prevent Mackenzie Hawkesby from adding to her four-goal tally, and to keep the dynamic Cortnee Vine under wraps for 90 minutes.
Coach Epakis was fulsome in his praise of the ex-Matilda and her contribution to keeping the squad morale up during their extended absence from home due to COVID.
“Kim has been immense on and off the field. Her returning to Perth has been a big part of the momentum shift that we’ve been able to create.”
Epakis also emphasised how important the influence of other senior players has been during this enforced absence.
“I tell the experienced players all the time that they bring something to the table which allows me also to learn. Kim, Tash (Rigby), Sarah (Carroll) and Lisa (De Vanna) in particular, those four they work really well together. They all have their own personalities and character and their support is very well respected from my end.”
A fascinating game is in store on Saturday, but the odds must favour Sydney to continue their unbeaten start to the season. However, Sydney still need to be mindful of their opponents, as Glory were victorious in their last away game against the Sky Blues, beating the harbourside team 2-1 in February 2020.
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