Glory Head Coach David Zdrilic is backing his charges to turn improved performances into improved results, starting in Friday’s Isuzu UTE A-League Round 18 match-up with Central Coast Mariners at HBF Park (kick-off at 6:45pm, tickets available HERE).
Click HERE to view his full pre-match media conference
Check out A-Leagues match preview HERE
The men in purple have been desperately unfortunate not to secure more than three points from their last four home games against Western United, Auckland FC, Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory respectively.
And the Head Coach feels that upsurge in performance levels will soon start to be reflected on the scoreboard.
“The way we performed against Victory and especially the number of chances we had, that was a very positive sign and another improvement in terms of the style we’re trying to play,” he said.
“It was just really frustrating that we weren’t able to score the one or two goals that we deserved.
“To have that many shots against a Melbourne Victory side that don’t give away many shots like that [was impressive] and I felt that if a goal goes in for us during that period [at the start of the second half] it would have been a very different game.
“In the end, it was unfortunate that we conceded the way we did and the flow went the other way.
“We’ve got to work to make sure we finish those chances off.
“So the vibe is that we keep improving… and we want to continue that against the Mariners.
“We’re focusing on… continuing the very good performances that we’ve had at home and making sure that those performances lead to wins.”
Glory will be up against a Mariners side which has struggled for consistency as it attempts to defend its Championship and Premiership titles, but Zdrilic believes that Mark Jackson’s men are now starting to hit their straps.
“They’ve had to adapt a lot as well as there have been changes there too,” he said, “but they’ve evolved over the course of the season and got stronger and stronger.
“Their style of play is becoming clearly evident again.
“I’m expecting a tough side to come here, but we’ll be focusing on us.
“We want to make sure that we give them a real run for their money.”
In terms of squad news, meanwhile, Zdrilic discussed both the possibility of further recruitment during the current transfer window and provided an update on Andriano Lebib’s injury situation.
“We’re going to use every opportunity to bring players in,” he said.
“So as long there’s time there and we’re able to do it within our budget, we’ll keep looking to bring players in.
“With Andriano, he’s had knee pain and he’s now had a scan, we’ve seen exactly what it is and it’s something that we’ll just have to manage.
“It might need a clear out or something like that and we’re just focusing on what’s best for him, but for this week he’s definitely not available.”
As for the Mariners, they come into the game unbeaten in their last four outings, although they secured maximum points in just one of those fixtures.
Three of their four victories this term, however, have come on the road, with Mark Jackson’s men getting the better of Western Sydney Wanderers, Brisbane Roar and F3 derby rivals Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium in Unite Round.
Vanuatu international Brian Kaltak has again been the mainstay of their defence, while Brazilian import Mikael Doka has contributed two goals and five assists.
Alou Kuol has found the net on three occasions and Nathan Paull has bagged two from just five overall shots on target.
Friday will mark the Mariners’ 26th ALM visit to HBF Park and they will be looking for their eighth win, their last having come in March 2021.
Match Details
Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 Season Round 18
Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners
HBF Park
Friday 7 February 2025
Kick-off: 6:45pm
In association with
#ONEGlory
