‘We’re going to be creating more chances’: Stajcic identifies progress despite winless start
Christian Montegan 
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson [L], Juan Mata [C], and Alen Stajcic [R]. Photo: Poletti/Round Ball Australia
The Western Sydney Wanderers’ search for three points continues after they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Western United in Tarneit, albeit displaying signs of promise.
Injected with a new lease of life in the off-season with manager Alen Stajcic and a marquee phenomenon in Juan Mata, optimism levels reached their highest point since Tony Popovic’s tenure.
Although making his starting debut for the club yesterday, Mata is still striving towards full fitness, while the rest of the squad is also adjusting to tactical tweaks and gelling with fresh faces.
From a Wanderers’ perspective, they maintained tidy possession but were lost for answers in the final third, whether it be too many short passes around the box or attempts to shoot from outside the 18-yard area.
Creative players like Mata, Nicolas Milanovic and Bozhidar Kraev have shown they can free up space and initiate attacking threats. Collectively though, the squad requires time to be on the same page.
“There was a lot of threat there. I still think we’re not as clinical with that final pass like last week [in the derby],” Stajcic said.
“We did a lot of good lead-up play at times and then the final pass or the final decision was not the right one, and I think once we get past that little hump, we’re going to be creating a lot more chances than we have.
“That’ll come with a little bit of team chemistry as we evolve and a little bit of confidence and belief in themselves, so it’s a good starting point for us but there’s certainly a lot of improvement left in us.”
Striker Brandon Borrello registered his first goal of the campaign in the 14th minute after latching onto a through ball and using his pace and strength to shatter the net.
The 29-year-old Socceroo has endured an unfortunate run of injuries of late, including a fractured foot last year which forced him out of January’s Asian Cup.
If the Wanderers are to exceed any sort of expectations this season, Borrello will need to be in peak condition to carry the goalscoring load.
“He’s trying to rebuild his confidence. He’s such a weapon for us and it’s not easy to get that belief back in yourself,” Stajcic explained.
“But he’s had a really good pre-season, he’s working so hard for the team, he’s a tremendous leader in our group.
“It’s good when he gets a little reward like that and it’s just the tip of the iceberg for him.”
An upcoming home fixture against Adelaide United on Saturday night already feels like a must-win to settle any lingering doubts about the Wanderers’ trajectory.