Sydney FC Interim Head Coach James Slaveski believes Wellington Phoenix can win the A-League Women’s title as the sides prepare for their Friday night match at Leichardt oval.
However, team’s youngsters have drawn inspiration from the Matildas AFC Asian Cup run and Slaveski thinks his side can beat The Nix.
“They’re [Wellington] obviously a strong side, they’re quite powerful, they’re very well organised,” Slaveski said.
“Bev’s done a great job with them, and I think they’re one of the favourites for the league title this year.
“We can beat them, we’ve got enough in our locker to really shake them. We go out every week to win every game, so the focus is on us.
“As always, the girls are really looking forward to it, so it’s going to be an exciting match.”
On the Matildas, he commented: “They’re the flag bearers, those girls.
“We’ve got a lot of young players in our team, those girls are role models to players in our sport, to players in other squads, to younger players, irrespective of the level they’re playing at.”
To finish on a winning run and secure a strong finish to the A-League 2025/2026 season is of the highest importance to the coach and his side.
“Around the team, it’s always important to win. This club is a winning club. It’s built on winning and that’s the expectation here.
“It’s a given that we go out in every game, irrespective of the opponent that we’re up against, we are expected to win.”
Forward Riley Tanner and defender Willa Pearson were suspended upon receiving their fifth yellow card this season against Newcastle on the weekend.
“Riley and Willa, unfortunately, will not be available this weekend. They’ve accumulated too many yellow cards, which is a shame for us. We could definitely do with them,” he said.
The gates at Leichardt Oval open at 6PM, KO 7pm.
