Ante Juric admits to rare nerves ahead of Sunday’s Grand Final – but only because he is desperate for his team to get their just rewards.
Juric has seen his players lose their last three Championship deciders and those memories cut hard.
But after securing a Premiers Plate three-peat earlier this month, the record-breaking coach is plotting a Grand Final victory over Western United.
The two teams face off at Commbank Stadium in a 4pm kick off on Sunday.
Juric said: “I am a little bit different this year. It’s a little bit of excitement and a little bit of nerves too in some sense.
“I don’t usually have nerves – but it’s mostly because I want these girls to get what they deserve – and the club and the fans.
“This game is for them, more than me, but I really want it for them. More than anything else.”
The Head Coach is not sensing any sign of nerves in his players as they prepare for the big game though.
“The players are good as a group. I’m not sure if they are nervous or excited because they seem to be laughing and happy all the time,’’ he added.
“They are pretty relaxed as normal. There’s maybe a bit more media for them but outside of that nothing changes really and the girls are really professional in that respect.”
Western United beat the Sky Blues in the semi-final to secure their Grand Final spot – leaving Sydney FC to defeat Melbourne Victory in the Preliminary Final.
But Juric doesn’t believe that result will be weighing on his player’s minds.
He added: “That result will not be a help or a hindrance. There were positives in that we have dominated and they were hanging on and they did score a goal on the break.
“From that point of view we have to be confident – but they will also be confident because they beat us.
“So, we have to take a few things into account and sharpen up on a few things before the game.”
When it comes to who will start on Sunday, Juric is keeping his cards close to his chest, but there is one thing he is certain about.
“I’m not too sure about the line up but I am sure about how we will play,’’ he said.
“We are going to be attacking and positive going forward and put them under pressure. Defensive wise, we are going to pressure them where we can as well.
“So, the intent will be the same, it’s just a matter of the personnel I have to think about and whoever that is will do a job.”
