A-League: Markus Babbel demands fight from struggling Wanderers

Western Sydney coach Markus Babbel has demanded his players fight their way out of their barren A-League run.

Western Sydney Wanderers coach Markus Babbel issues instructions to Kosta Grozos during their 2-0 defeat to the Phoenix in Wellington on Saturday. Picture: AAP

Western Sydney coach Markus Babbel has demanded his players fight their way out of their barren A-League run and lift the pressure affecting their performances.

Babbel continues to feel the heat after overseeing just one win from the Wanderers’ past 10 games, including Saturday’s 2-0 loss in Wellington. His defensive tone at the post-match media conference betrayed the tension of man struggling to extract the best from a team low on confidence. The interview lasted little over a minute.

The German coach spoke at more length to local media outlet Sky Sport NZ, insisting his side had shown some improvement from their previous week’s loss to Brisbane.

He also pinpointed a lack of finishing as the thing preventing the Wanderers from getting more from close games.

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Another major challenge looms for Babbel’s men against Perth next week, but the former Bayern Munich and Liverpool star said it was within their capability to emerge from a slump. “We have to work harder. We aren’t the first team that are in this period. Many teams before and many teams will come after us,” Babbel said. “But we have to fight against this, it’s the only chance that we have.

“It’s not because the other teams are playing outstanding football.

“No, we have times when we dominate them. But if you can’t score then it’s very difficult to get results, especially if you make one or two mistakes at the back.”

Added to the Wanderers’ attacking struggles is what Babbel said was a hamstring injury sustained midweek by absent marquee signing Alexander Meier, who hasn’t come close to matching his prolific Bundesliga goalscoring deeds. Babbel insisted Meier hadn’t been dropped on form, but said nobody in his squad should feel comfortable about their place.

It suggested changes could be made next week.

“We have many young ones. I don’t care if you’re 18 or 35, it doesn’t matter for me,” Babbel said.

“More important is bring your performance on the pitch, help your team. Do what I expect of you and there is a big chance for the young ones there.”

The main message for his players against Glory would be to play without fear. He repeated his point that because there is no relegation from the A-League, it is worth taking risks to pursue wins.

“So play with freedom, especially in the front third. That’s what I always say to the boys, take the risk, take the chances that you get,” he said. “Don’t stop believing.”

AAP