Sports - Football
Barbarouses urges Wanderers fans to stick with struggling side
Kosta Barbarouses has called on Western Sydney fans to stay patient as the Wanderers prepare for a tough clash with high-flying Auckland FC.
Kosta Barbarouses has urged Western Sydney Wanderers supporters to remain patient as the club battles through a difficult A League Men season.
Just 4652 fans attended CommBank Stadium last Saturday for the Wanderers' 0-0 draw with Brisbane Roar, a match that offered little attacking threat and extended the club's struggles in front of goal.
Western Sydney have scored only six goals across eight matches, with creativity and finishing proving costly issues.
The challenge intensifies on Friday night when the Wanderers host Auckland FC, one of the competition's early heavyweights, coached by Alen Stajcic's opposite number Steve Corica.
Barbarouses acknowledged the frustration felt by fans but said the playing group remained committed to turning performances into results.
He said the Wanderers had often been the better side without capitalising, and called on supporters to stay engaged as the team looks to build momentum.
He added that Friday's match would demand full concentration for the entire 90 minutes, with Western Sydney needing to limit Auckland's attacking threats while finding ways to hurt them at the other end.
Auckland sit second on the ladder, one point behind leaders Sydney FC, and Corica admitted he was surprised the Wanderers had collected just nine points so far.
Corica said Western Sydney had stronger attacking weapons and midfield quality than their position suggested, describing them as a mobile side capable of playing good football.
He expects another demanding contest.
The clubs met earlier this season in Auckland, where Auckland FC claimed a 1-0 win on October 25 through a goal from Jesse Randall.
Corica said playing away would present a different challenge, but stressed his side was prepared to work hard for another result.
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