Western Sydney Wanderers plan stifle Central Coast’s attacking style, says Tony Popovic

TONY Popovic says the Wanderers will implement a strategy to stifle the Mariners’ attacking style to ensure they dictate terms in Gosford on Sunday.

Wanderers coach coach Tony Popovic celebrates after their win over the Phoenix during their round 7 A-League match between Western Sydney Wanderers and the Wellington Phoenix at Pirtek Stadium in Sydney, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

THE Central Coast Mariners’ almost kamikaze style football won’t alter the way the Wanderers approach in Sunday’s game in Gosford.

Tony Walmsley’s insistence on playing an attacking brand has made for some entertaining encounters this season, but Western Sydney coach Tony Popovic insists his team is fully prepared.

The Wanderers have themselves been entertaining, while still managing to pick up the points.

“We know what we need to do in terms of our game. We respect our opponent and how they’re playing and the way they’re trying to play their game,” Popovic said.

“The three points will come down to what we do and if continue improving and playing the type of football we are, being hard to beat as well, we certainly have a chance to extend our run.”

After a slow start to their campaign, the Wanderers are aiming for their fifth consecutive win, which would only be the second time in the club’s short history that they’ve managed such a streak.

“Four in a row is a great achievement — you’re always one week away from a draw or a defeat or a win,” he said.

“We don’t take any team for granted, any game for granted. We’ve had to put that behind us as we did the poor start in terms of results, we didn’t focus on that, we knew a win was just around the corner and now we want another win, which is just around the corner if we play to our potential.

PASSION: Jamieson calls on RBB to stay put

Wanderers coach Tony Popovic celebrates his side’s win over the Phoenix.

“We play a team that are strong at home, very enthusiastic, a lot of energy, and we’re going to have to match that and be at our best. Hopefully we can walk off and drive down the freeway with another three points.”

The travelling Red and Black Bloc have planned a walkout during the game in protest to the publication of a list of 198 banned A-League fans, but Popovic says that won’t be a distraction for his team.

“We put that behind us and move on to the game,” he said. “It hasn’t been a distraction for us at all, we love our fans, we love our support and we look forward to another good game on the Central Coast and seeing our fans there.”

Originally published as Western Sydney Wanderers plan stifle Central Coast’s attacking style, says Tony Popovic