Glory ALM Head Coach David Zdrilic has praised the motivation levels of his playing group ahead of Saturday’s home match-up with league leaders Auckland FC (kick-off at 6:45pm, tickets available HERE).
View his full pre-match interview HERE
The men in purple flew back to Perth on Thursday following a 3-0 defeat to Sydney FC, giving them little time to prepare for the challenge posed by the Black Knights who have lost just once in the opening ten games of their maiden A-League campaign.
But as Glory resume their pursuit of a first home victory of the season, the Head Coach is adamant that spirits in the camp remain high.
“They [Auckland FC] have got the luxury of not having played since I think New Year’s Day, whereas we’ve had two games in that space of time,” he said.
“They also came here to Perth before we got back from Sydney, so I think they will be ready to go.
“But so are we.
“These guys want to play.
“Not one of them, when they looked at the schedule we have, said maybe we should rest here or rest there.
“They all want to play, they’re all putting their hands up which I just think is great.
“The guys who aren’t playing are coming in and asking why am I not playing.
“In terms of the spirit and motivation of this squad, it’s top in this period that we’re going through and I can’t ask for more from them than that.”
Having faced his former Sydney FC coaching colleague Ufuk Talay in midweek, Saturday will see Zdrilic go head-to-head with another familiar figure in the form of Steve Corica and he is looking forward to the challenge.
“I know Stevie well; we’re close friends and family friends as well,” he said.
“We played together at Sydney FC and overseas and coached together as well.
“I know all the work they [Auckland FC] did and all the resources that they have and they’ve put a very good club together, not just on the field, but off the field as well.
“All the pieces were looked at and you can see that now.
“They’ve got a very athletic and experienced squad, with very good players that they’ve brought together.
“I think they’ve just started perfectly really as a new club.
“So it’s going to be a big challenge and I’m looking forward to a very competitive match.”
The Head Coach went on to provide an injury update and clarify why Adam Taggart was withdrawn at half-time against Sydney FC.
“We had no fresh injuries from the Sydney FC game,” he said.
“Taras Gomulka broke a tooth, but that shouldn’t keep him out.
“Taggs was feeling tightness and we spoke about it at half-time.
“He was willing to go on, but it was risky and we didn’t want to risk him with two games coming up… but he’s recovering now and he should be all right [for Saturday].”
Auckland head across the Tasman off the back of a 0-0 away draw with Melbourne Victory and despite their inaction since that New Year’s Day fixture, they remain two points clear of Melbourne City at the top of the table.
Former Glory man Jake Brimmer has been among their standout performers thus far this term, scoring three goals and adding one assist, while Uruguayan import Guillermo May has also hit the net three times and New Zealand international goalkeeper Alex Paulsen has kept six clean sheets.
Corica’s side began the season with six consecutive victories, but have slowed up a bit recently, winning only one of their last four and suffering a first ever defeat at the hands of Western United.
Match Details
Isuzu UTE A-League 2024/25 Season Round 13
Perth Glory v Auckland FC
HBF Park
Saturday 11 January 2025
Kick-off: 6:45pm WST
Brought to you in association with
#ONEGlory
