Revamped Wanderers chasing super start to A-League season with derby success

Western Sydney Wanderers are heading into Saturday night’s derby against the Sky Blues with plenty of optimism about the season ahead.

Feeling “included and involved” under the guidance of new Western Sydney coach Alen Stajcic has Wanderers players confident of redeeming themselves after a disappointing 2023-24 A-League season.

The Wanderers start their new campaign on Saturday night at CommBank Stadium in the highly anticipated derby against a Sydney FC side many are tipping to win the title.

However, there is a strong feeling within the Wanderers camp that their own championship credentials should not be ignored following plenty of off-season changes, including Stajcic replacing former coach Marko Rudan and the arrival of former Chelsea and Manchester United star Juan Mata.

“There’s a fresh coaching staff, a fresh playing group ... we’re enjoying it.” star Western Sydney winger Brandon Borrello.

“Everybody knows `Staj’ and the way he coaches, and everyone knows Marko and the way he coaches. I don’t think there’s too much to compare.

“The demeanour is a big thing. ‘Staj’ does well in making sure everyone feels included and involved, and that’s what you want with a young group.

“We’re all held to a certain standard at this club that we need to meet constantly, and now with a different coaching style, it seems to be a lot more player-led in the change room in terms of making sure boys are doing the right thing.”

Sydney FC’s Joe Lolley (left) and Western Sydney’s Brandon Borrello are ready for Saturday night’s derby. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for A-Leagues

The Wanderers failed to play finals football last season in a season marred by controversy on and off the field.

“Last season was a disappointment on all fronts,” Borrello admitted.

“It’s a bit of redemption for us this season. We want to prove some people wrong.”

And what better way to start that quest by knocking off a Sydney side that will include prized off-season recruit Douglas Costa, the Brazilian winger whose former clubs include Juventus and Bayern Munich.

“We’re buzzing,” Borrello said.

“This is what the A-League needs in terms of making sure bums are on seats in round one.

“There’s no better way than to kick it all off with the derby when you think about the names that are going to be involved like Juan Mata and Douglas Costa.

“It’s something that people are going to want to see.”

Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay said fans had “missed” the A-League.

“It’s been a long time between drinks for games,” the Sky Blues mentor said in reflecting on the competition’s drawn out pre-season.

“I am very happy in the way that we recruited, the players that we brought in and I am just excited for the season to start.

“We’ve got some very good attacking players that can create opportunities to score goals.

“I’m happy to win the game 1-0, especially playing the way that we want to play, but if we score more than one, I’m always pleased with that too.

“If we get the things right with and without the ball, it will give ourselves the best chance to win the game.”

Originally published as Revamped Wanderers chasing super start to A-League season with derby success