As the countdown begins for this Saturday night’s Elimination Final, Alen Stajcic shared insights on the potential role of the Western Sydney Wanderers in their local community and Australian football at large.
A wave of enthusiasm is sweeping through Western Sydney, bolstering the confidence of the high-flying Wanderers as they set their sights on ambitious goals.
“This is just the start for us,” head coach Alen Stajcic expressed to reporters in anticipation of their high-stakes Elimination Final against fierce rivals Melbourne Victory at CommBank Stadium on Saturday evening.
Under Stajcic’s guidance, the Wanderers have undergone a remarkable transformation.
The ex-CommBank Matildas coach has united both the fanbase and the wider community during one of the club’s most impressive runs in over a decade. The team stands on the brink of equalling a club record for an undefeated streak, originally set in the 2012-13 season.
In 2014, the Wanderers achieved an extraordinary feat by winning the AFC Champions League, marking a high point in their history. Yet this season is only the second occasion in the past eight years that they have qualified for the Isuzu UTE A-League Finals series, following a period where they reached three Grand Finals in their inaugural four years.
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With confidence building and a large turnout anticipated for the Elimination Final, local coach Stajcic has grand aspirations for the Wanderers that extend beyond the football pitch into other sporting domains in Australia.
He envisions the Wanderers becoming the premier sports team in Sydney’s western suburbs.
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“I genuinely believe we can and should outshine all of them,” Stajcic stated to the media.
“The NRL teams represent individual towns: the Penrith Panthers stand for Penrith, while Parramatta Eels represent Parramatta, but we encompass everyone—the entire western front, stretching from Campbelltown to Liverpool, Blacktown, Penrith, Holroyd, and Auburn. We’re talking about a population of a few million.
“Our area is filled with young families, migrant communities, and both first and second-generation Australians—many of whom come from footballing backgrounds.
“That’s why we could, and should, emerge as the leading club in the country. That’s what we’re striving to achieve.”
Stajcic and the Wanderers are diligently establishing foundations for the 2024-25 season and beyond.
He believes this approach fosters “longevity of success,” citing the enduring legacy of Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United.
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“I look at the Melbourne Storm in rugby league—they’ve maintained their position at the top for over 20 years with Craig Bellamy,” Stajcic reflected. “Then there’s the Penrith Panthers in rugby league.
“Consider the legacy Manchester United built under Alex Ferguson. I’m not making a direct comparison, but look at the frameworks they established within their teams and cultures for sustainable success.
“This is the club that should embody such potential for me. We’re uniquely positioned to achieve those goals through our junior academy, free programs for kids, and the nurturing talent that thrives in this region, alongside the passionate fan base and young families in the western suburbs, as well as our diverse migrant population.
“I’ve believed for a long time that we have the best opportunity to become the most successful club in the country. It’s up to us to bring all these elements together.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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