Ante Covic ... 'We all know we are capable of being up there with the best.' Source: News Limited
The streets of western Sydney are filled with cheer, but Wanderers goalkeeper Ante Covic was quick to quash any idea that his side's superb form is the stuff of fairytales.
Good old-fashioned hard work is the key behind the Wanderers' success, Covic said, revealing that their hampered pre-season was one of the toughest he had endured. The club only came together five months ago and began training as imports were still being signed.
Having failed to find a goal in their first three fixtures, some worried if they ever would. Last Friday they put six past second-placed Adelaide.
"We had a disrupted three-month preparation, but the way we worked in those three months was extremely intense," Covic said.
"I know a lot of people were talking about this club, saying we weren't going to do anything, last place and all that, but there wasn't one person in this squad that believed that.
"We all know we are capable of being up there with the best."
That was confirmed in round seven when the Wanderers travelled to the home of last year's grand finalists and defeated Perth with 10 men for most of the match.
Forward Youssouf Hersi was marched in just the 38th minute but Western Sydney held on for a 1-0 win, and on the eve of their return on Thursday night Covic said Glory's fortress holds no fear.
"You don't go (to Perth) and get results too often so to come away with the win playing most of the game with 10 men was a really special achievement for us," Covic said.
"That's going to give us confidence coming into the game against them this week."
Covic said the team's resolve was largely due to the influence of coach Tony Popovic.
"He was always a disciplined player out on the field, and he has brought that into his coaching," he said.
"He has a specific way he wants us to play, and he doesn't deviate from that."
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