Wanderers boss Paul Lederer writes to members saying every loss has been a ‘stab to the heart’

In an extraordinary letter to club members, Wanderers CEO Paul Lederer has called on players and fans “to regroup and fight” while launching a passionate defence of Markus Babbel.

Western Sydney Wanderers Club Chairman Paul Lederer (left) places a scarf around Markus Babbel after Babbel

Wanderers chairman Paul Lederer has called on players and fans “to regroup and to fight” to make this season a success, admitting that for the past two years “every loss, every misstep (has been) like a stab to the heart”.

In an extraordinary letter to the club’s members, Lederer launched a passionate defence of head coach Markus Babbel, and underlined the “$30m investment” he and the club’s other owners have made in a new headquarters and training complex.

Less than 48 hours after the club’s active fans group, the Red and Black Bloc, walked out during Tuesday’s defeat to Melbourne City, Lederer insisted that “we have not taken our eye off the prize” and could “see light at the end of the tunnel”.

With his side third from bottom after winning just two of the first 10 games, Lederer’s letter was a riposte to growing dissent on social media, with fans accusing the team of having lost its identity and direction.

Western Sydney Wanderers Club Chairman Paul Lederer (left) places a scarf around Markus Babbel

Lederer insisted that Babbel was the man to take the club forward, despite the German having been openly critical of his squad’s mentality during his seven months in charge.

“At the start of this season we met with over 14 potential international coaches across Europe,” Lederer wrote.”

“We met these men face-to-face and from these meetings Markus Babbel, a world-renowned player and coach, shone out as the man to lead this club forward.

“Aided by an excellent backroom staff including Jean-Paul de Marigny and an impressive strength and conditioning coach, Marcelo Martins (former Bayern Munich and USA national team), we have a coaching group that is more than capable and will take our team forward this year.”

Members of the Red and Black Bloc walked out during Tuesday’s defeat to Melbourne City

Lederer called on fans to “recreate our fortress” when the club returns to the newly built Parramatta Stadium next season, and admitted that the three years of displacement had caused serious harm.

“Being Wanderers, for the past three seasons in the truest sense, has created some hardship for our club – the members and fans that are so integral to the club have had to endure this most noticeably,” he wrote.

“Many changes have had to be managed and borne by all involved, but the payoff will be immense. A new world-class stadium in the heart of Parramatta is an incredible prize to secure and this has been done through sacrifice and resolve.

New Western Sydney Wanderers coach Markus Babbel has come under fire

“As a passionate football fan for over 70 years I have witnessed difficult moments time and time again. Seasons of apprehension, seasons of adjustment and seasons of complete euphoria.

“This is the curse of the football fan and one I am happy to bear as the rewards always overshadow the difficulties along the way.”

With his team facing Melbourne Victory on Saturday night, Lederer insisted he had taken the fans’ anger on board.

“I understand and acknowledge the difficulties we have had along the way. The past two seasons have been below the standard we have set for this club and we all share every loss, every misstep, like a stab to the heart…

“Now is the time to regroup and to fight. As a club we must come together and drive forward with purpose and belief.”