Gombau: Losing players not an issue
WESTERN Sydney Wanderers coach Josep Gombau is more than happy to release his players for Olyroos duty and he hopes all A-League clubs share his sentiments.
Several clubs will be affected by next month’s Under-23 tournament in China after Olyroos coach Ante Milicic selected a strong squad to take part in it.
But because the tournament doesn’t fall within FIFA’s designated international windows, A-League clubs have argued that they’re under no obligation to release their players.
Western Sydney could lose Jaushua Sotirio, Jonathan Aspropotamitis and Keanu Baccus for up to five matches but Gombau, who was Olyroos coach before joining the Wanderers, says he is pleased
his players will gain valuable experience.
“It’s experience the players need to have for this country,” Gombau said. “I am happy as a coach they will have this experience and they will come back more experienced.
“What’s important is that all clubs are on the same page. For me it’s not the number (of players the club loses), it’s that the coach needs to be able to select the players he likes and the coaches must send them.
“I wish them good luck and I hope they win the competition.”
The Wanderers head to Newcastle tonight looking to build on last weekend’s performance against the Central Coast Mariners, where they finally managed their first win under Gombau.
While Gombau was relieved
with the result, he says there is still much improvement needed.
“This is football – it’s a process,” he said.
“It was very close (last week) – we scored goals and we pressed hard. A lot of things we need to improve, but it was a good performance and now we need to do more.
“We did well, but we keep building. We need to keep going game by game, improving mistakes and working hard every game.
“We will be stronger because we will arrange things we need to build on and we will solve mistakes, but we are a better team than two weeks ago.” Jets v Wanderers, tonight, 6.50pm