With captain Marcelo dealing with a prolonged ban, Tomislav Mrcela has been tasked with main Western Sydney’s protection and guaranteeing the Wanderers regain their ruthless edge.
The Wanderers journey to face Macarthur on Saturday in fourth spot on the A-League Males desk.
Victory would all however assure their return to the finals for the primary time in six seasons in an endorsement for the rebuild overseen by supervisor Marko Rudan.
The Wanderers have conceded the fewest targets (21 in 22 video games) and saved a league-high 9 clear sheets this season.
However there have been occasions the place they’ve taken their foot off the fuel, akin to in final week’s loss to Adelaide the place all three targets had been conceded from corners, that has stung their push to complete high of the desk.
“If we had obtained these factors we’d most likely be combating for the premiers’ plate,” Mrcela instructed AAP.
“However you possibly can’t return an excessive amount of and it’s a must to have a look at the longer term.
“There’s at all times some video games the place you did not need to win however you ended up profitable.
“I assume that is one other step for us to progress and be ruthless in each single sport.”
Mrcela, who was Rudan’s first signing final 12 months, shall be leaned upon over the approaching weeks.
His defensive associate Marcelo is awaiting the result of a Soccer Australia disciplinary panel after being charged with “assault” following the loss to Adelaide.
The Brazilian defender was concerned in a fracas after putting Adelaide wonderkid Nestory Irankunda in a headlock, with Tom Beadling his almost certainly alternative.
“He is clearly dissatisfied about how he reacted,” Mrcela mentioned.
“We’re fairly positive he will get a number of video games however hopefully it is not going to be that unhealthy and we are able to get some wins with out him after which welcome him again.”
That begins with Saturday’s journey to Macarthur whose finals hopes grasp by a thread.
Even when the Wanderers have already thumped them twice this season and their opponents shall be with out Ulises Davila and Daniel Arzani, Mrcela believes Macarthur poses a substantial risk.
“Individuals will say we beat them 4-Zero twice, however they’ve some good gamers in that workforce,” he mentioned.
“For them it is a live-or-die scenario to get into the highest six.
“If I used to be a part of a workforce that obtained smashed twice I would be motivated to go and show one thing.”
