Western Sydney Wanderers boss Markus Babbel ready to hit the marketplace in January

The Wanderers players already know that coach Markus Babbel doesn’t mince his words. Now several might find he backs those words up with actions.

• Socceroos squad: Arnold makes tough calls
• Grant becomes Sydney FC’s first 10-year player

The Wanderers players know already that coach Markus Babbel doesn’t mince his words inside the dressing room or out. Now several might find that he backs those words up with actions.

Babbel has made clear the need to reinforce his squad in January once the transfer window opens in less than two weeks’ time.

Alarmed at the mentality of his squad as much as its collective ability, we hear Babbel wants to bring in at least four new players and has been exploring the possibility of a second marquee.

Western Sydney Wanderers coach Markus Babbel is on the hunt for new players. Picture: AAP

With five foreigners currently Babbel’s options are limited – unless Patrick Ziegler’s citizenship application is granted, freeing up a spot.

Intriguingly, Oriol Riera is believed to have an offer to return to Spain, though it remains to be seen if the club would be tempted to cash in.

Either way, a number of players have two games remaining to convince Babbel they should be part of his plans, with the German believed to be looking at strengthening his midfield in particular.

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THE Asian Cup could be the perfect shop window for Socceroos left back Alex Gersbach, who is struggling for game time at Norwegian side Ronsenborg.

We hear at least one Dutch side has been watching Gersbach, and is keen to sign him in the transfer window next month.

That would set up a fascinating Eredivise battle of the left backs, with Socceroos squad mate Aziz Behich having moved to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

Socceroos left back Alex Gersbach in Sydney on Thursday. Picture: AAP

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IT was interesting to note James Troisi’s reaction to missing out on the Asian Cup squad, claiming sniffily that “merit and performance” weren’t considered.

That would be the same Troisi who two weeks ago was relegated to the Victory bench, the same weekend that Aaron Mooy was taking on Arsenal and Tom Rogic was shredding Kilmarnock. We’re just not sure which one of those No. 10s Troisi thought he should have been picked ahead of?

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Perth Glory are sparing no expense in their bid for A-League success. After their New Year's Eve clash against the Mariners in Gosford, the Glory will head to Queensland's Sunshine Coast for a training camp - and dare we say it, a wave or two - before they meet Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on January 6.

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Melbourne City are clearly planning for life after Bruno Fornaroli, having made inquiries about repatriating Besart Berisha back from Japan - only to be politely but firmly rebuffed.

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Asked about his experiences of coaching the Socceroos in 2007 on Thursday, Graham Arnold noted that in those days he had curly hair and a moustache. As a public service, we offer photographic evidence from the time – though the moustache is strangely lacking – to show that 11 years in Australian football is a very, very, very long time.

Graham Arnold at the Asian Cup in 2007 during his first stint as Socceroos coach.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold pictured at the Asian Cup squad announcement on Thursday. Picture: AAP

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The Asian Cup presents all manner of logistical challenges – not least for a broadcaster like Fox sports. With the a-League continuing throughout the defence of the Socceroos’ Asian crown, the numbers are mind-boggling.

Part of the Fox Sports team for next month’s Asian Cup. (l-r) Adam Peacock, Simon Hill, Robbie Slater and Tara Rushton. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Fox sports will show 90 games live during January, including 41 Asian Cup ties – all to be commentated on by Simon Hill and Brenton Speed. At least those two will be in the time zone, but show hosts Tara Rushton and Adam Peacock and panellists Mark Bosnich, Robbie Slater, Archie Thompson and John Kosmina will be sleep-deprived for most of the month.

Every A-League game has to be covered too, with a rotating cast of guest commentators filling in for Hill and Speed – likewise for selected W-League games.

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