This week on Total A-Leagues, host Vince Rugari from the Sydney Morning Herald and former Socceroo Tommy Oar delved into the impressive form of the Western Sydney Wanderers, a potential Golden Boot contender, and the prospects for John Aloisi’s future.
The Western Sydney Wanderers are enjoying their strongest performance in a decade, establishing themselves as serious competitors in the Isuzu UTE A-League. According to Vince Rugari, they are cultivating a distinct identity under coach Alen Stajcic.
In the past seven seasons, the Wanderers have made the Finals Series on only one occasion, having previously reached three Grand Finals in their initial four years in the league.
Following a narrow miss of the top six in the last 2023-24 season, the Wanderers are making waves this year. Currently sitting fourth, they are on an impressive streak of eight matches without loss – their best since a 10-game unbeaten run in 2015.
Under Stajcic’s management, the Wanderers have adopted a transitional style of football, netting a league-high 50 goals this season. They are set to face second-placed Western United in a highly anticipated clash at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
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Tuning into this episode, Tommy Oar remarked, “Alen Stajcic deserves immense credit for effectively tackling the various challenges the club has faced.”
“We discussed Adelaide and their defensive vulnerabilities; it’s remarkable that they haven’t resolved those issues. Conversely, the Wanderers display a resilience that’s hard to penetrate.
“They’ve simplified their defensive approach rather than over-complicating it, allowing the quality in their attacking line to shine through, resulting in consistent goal-scoring.”
Rugari added, “I stand by our broader discussions regarding the club’s identity and vision, as it has often seemed unclear.
“If this is their chosen path, they should commit to it. Establish this as their playing style, influencing both recruitment and Academy structure, so that the next coach can seamlessly continue Stajcic’s philosophy.”
Oar concluded, “Absolutely. Staj is on what’s rumoured to be a short-term deal, but he’s done enough to warrant an extension and should be trusted to build on the solid foundation he’s laid.
“There’s still plenty to unfold this season. I believe the Wanderers could pose a genuine threat in the finals. They’re generating all the right signals, and their playing style suits finals football, characterised by a resolute defence and resilience.
“With players like (Nicolas) Milanovic in scintillating form and (Brandon) Borrello on the counter, teams dread facing sides like that.”
Europe calls for A-Leagues star
Nicolas Milanovic is pivotal in the Western Sydney title chase this season, and according to the Total A-Leagues panel, an overseas move could be on the horizon.
The 23-year-old has netted a personal best of 11 goals, leaving him just one goal below the Golden Boot leader as the Wanderers pursue their first Championship title.
There was speculation regarding his departure at the end of the 2023-24 season after he claimed the club’s Golden Boot and received accolades as the Media Player of the Year and Members’ Player of the Year.
Prior interest from Europe resurfaced before Milanovic chose to renew his contract with Wanderland until the end of the 2025-26 season.
“There’s an interesting dilemma surrounding Milanovic and potential summer moves, especially considering he’s contracted until the end of next season,” Rugari pointed out.
“Will he seek to sign with the Wanderers again? Likely, his aspirations may involve a European adventure. Consequently, the query arises: if the club wishes to secure a transfer fee for him, they’ll need to consider a sale.”
Oar responded, “I suspect the club is hoping for significant foreign interest in him during this off-season.
“Given his performances, I’m sure he’s on the radar of several clubs. They’ll aim to secure a fee, and if that doesn’t materialise, I wouldn’t be surprised if they approach him with a contract extension prior to pre-season.
“It’s certainly worth monitoring. Considering his age and the excellence he’s exhibited over the past two seasons, the timing feels right for him to make a move; Europe beckons.”
‘He’s capable of achieving similar success’
Could John Aloisi be eyeing the post of head coach for CommBank Matildas? Tommy Oar, the former A-Leagues standout, expressed his enthusiasm for such a possibility.
The search continues for a new coach for the Matildas following Tony Gustavsson’s exit after the Tokyo 2024 Olympic Games.
Reports suggest that Lyon head coach and A-Leagues veteran Joe Montemurro, a two-time A-League champion with Melbourne City, is the leading candidate for the Australian role; however, Aloisi, currently managing Western United, has emerged as a viable alternative, particularly since his contract expires at the season’s end.
Aloisi is guiding Western United in their pursuit of both Premiership and Championship titles this season, having previously led the Green and Black to victory in the 2022 Grand Final.
This week on Total A-Leagues, Oar weighed in on whether Aloisi would be interested in the Matildas position.
“I would be thrilled to see John Aloisi appointed as the Matildas’ head coach because, as an Australian, I want them to succeed,” Oar stated.
“I have no doubt he’d excel in that role. He is an outstanding coach. I’m uncertain of his career aspirations, but he undoubtedly possesses great potential.
“We’ve witnessed other Australian coaches establish themselves in Asia and Europe. Should he aspire to venture there, I firmly believe he’s more than capable of doing so.
“Moreover, looking at domestic teams like Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC, and the Wanderers, I think John Aloisi should definitely be on the radar of every A-League club.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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