Western United Assistant Coach John Anastasiadis believes that while Sunday’s clash with Newcastle Jets will be difficult, the Green and Black’s fate is in their own hands.
Speaking during Saturday’s press conference, Anastasiadis told reporters that the focus has primarily been on themselves, rather than Newcastle or other teams’ results.
“Our destiny is in our hands. Every game for us is a cup final,” Anastasiadis said.
“The game against Newcastle will be difficult. They’re a very good team.
“We respect the opposition. If we go out there and perform to our maximum capabilities, then I don’t think we’ll have a problem.
“We’ve been training well, the boys have been really upbeat, and we can’t wait to get out there on Sunday and hopefully get the three points.”
Western United are coming off a 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory last weekend.
The Green and Black are seventh on the A-League table, three points from sixth-placed Adelaide with three games in hand.
But while the football on the pitch is central, the players welfare off it is just as essential.
When asked about his role, Anastasiadis expressed the importance of the assistant coaches looking after the players’ mental health in the Sydney hub.
“There’s no doubt our job is to take a lot of the load off our head coach in terms of looking after the players off the field.
“We as assistant coaches are here to help the players get by and let them know we are here for them.
“Any issues they have, we are here to solve them.”
Western United face Newcastle Jets this Sunday, August 2 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
Fans can watch live on Fox Sports, Kayo, or the MyFootball Live app.
