Sydney derby: Wanderers coach talks up marquee signing ahead of blockbuster A-League season opener
Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic is set for his first real test at this weekend’s Sydney Derby and his marquee signing will be front and centre.
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A new era for the Western Sydney Wanderers starts this weekend, with new coach Alen Stajcic’s first big test in charge set to be a tense Sydney Derby on Saturday night.
The Wanderers will host Sydney FC in what is anticipated to be a sold out CommBank Stadium, with limited tickets available as of Tuesday morning.
The derby is being pitched as the first battle between Wanderers’ marquee signing Juan Mata and Sydney’s Douglas Costa and although both are towards the end of their careers, Stajcic said Mata has been living up to the hype.
“He’s everything we thought he was going to be and more,” Stajcic said at the pre-match press conference.
“In human qualities and values, he’s brought in a tremendous amount already, so humble.
“He’s come in and willing to work hard and willing to learn and willing to spread his knowledge across the group, but really just his humility in and around the team is exactly the kind of culture the Western suburbs people really appreciate and enjoy.
“The leadership he brings on the pitch, the calmness, the composure, people learning from him in terms of his decision making and his movement.”
The derby will be Stajcic’s first A-League outing as Wanderers coach after leaving wooden spooners Perth Glory at the end of the 2023/24 season and replacing head coach Marko Rudan at Western Sydney.
However, Stajcic said he had very high expectations for the club this season.
“My expectation is to win the competition,” Stajcic said.
“There’s enough talent in this group to compete and beat everyone, and there’s a good belief and confidence growing within the group.
“I’ve said it many times before in the previous two years that the A-League is so tight, where a little bit of momentum and confidence helps any team.
“There’s no doubt there’s enough ability and potential within this group where we can make a good case for winning the title.”
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Originally published as Sydney derby: Wanderers coach talks up marquee signing ahead of blockbuster A-League season opener
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