If ever there was a chance for Tony Popovic to indulge in his side’s remarkable A-League run, this was it.
Just a few days after Western Sydney Wanderers booked a place in the A-League finals in its debut season and with a chance to go top of the table with a record eighth straight win this weekend, the coach could’ve been forgiven for talking it up a bit.
But the no-nonsense Popovic was as stern as ever before training this week.
He only allowed himself a hint of a smile when reflecting on the Week 22 1-0 win over Perth Glory, before being asked whether the club could relax now it has confirmed their place in April’s finals.
“There’s no one in the playing group or staff that have that mindset,” Popovic said. “It’s great for the club in the first year to play finals football.
“But with five games left there’s an opportunity to achieve even more.
“Why settle for that? Let’s see how high we can go.”
The 39-year-old added that he wasn’t having any trouble keeping his players’ egos in check, particularly given their next assignment in Gosford on Saturday night when they face ladder-leader Central Coast Mariners.
“Nothing has been mentioned about needing to keep players grounded,” Popovic said.
“They show that every single day in the way they train, in the way they conduct themselves.
“The look in their eyes – they want more.
“So with that hunger in mind, that’s not a concern I have.”
As many as 4,000 Wanderers fans are set to make the trip to Bluetongue Stadium for the clash with the Mariners, the only team Western Sydney is yet to beat in 2012-13.
