Sydney United 58 Head Coach Miro Vlastelica says his side head into Saturday’s Australia Cup Final against Macarthur FC at CommBank Stadium with no fear.
Vlastelica’s side became the first NPL team to reach the final after a fairytale cup run that included iconic victories over defending A-League Champions, Western United as well as Brisbane Roar.
United, who were the only NPL New South Wales side to reach the Final Rounds also beat Monaro Panthers and Peninsula Power on their way to Saturday’s decider at CommBank Stadium.
Speaking on SEN’s The Global Game podcast Vlastelica said his side head into Saturday’s final full of belief.
“It did surprise us a little especially when we came up against the likes of the two A-League teams but the belief was always there that we could do the job against some of the A-League opposition,” Vlastelica said.
“As we progressed further in the tournament, the belief got stronger and stronger, it’s definitely a credit to everyone involved to how far we’ve come along.”
Vlastelica, who could become the first father-son duo to win the cup as Captain and Coach alongside his son Adrian added the togetherness of the group was the driving force behind their odds defying run to the final.
“It’s a tight-knit group, it’s a group that’s been together for a while now, when I was previously at the club back in 2019 it was pretty much the same group of players back then as well,” Vlastelica said.
“Obviously, there have been a few additions but I think the bond that they have just makes them stronger and whatever they do off the park, it’s the same on the park, it’s like their own little family and they just fight for each other, they don’t stop.
“You see that, we’ve been behind in a few games and they don’t stop it’s just another challenge that’s been put in front of us, let’s go, let’s solve it and let’s see what we can do and that’s what they’ve shown.”
“We’re going to stick to the way we’ve been playing, we’re not going to change much, obviously there’s a few positions that we’re going to move players around and try counter their strengths, but we’re going to stick to our guns,” Vlastelica said.
“We respect Macarthur, we respect the players there but we’re not going to fear anyone.
“It goes back to as you’ve seen in the last few games where we’ve been behind, it didn’t scare any one of the players, they just put their heads down and work hard and it’s going to be no different on Sunday.
“It’s just another challenge that’s in front of us now and if all goes to plan, hopefully we do get a result out of it.”
With thanks to Football Australia’s broadcast partner, Network 10, the Australia Cup 2022 Final will be shown LIVE and FREE across Australia on 10 Play, 10, and 10 Bold in Perth.
Australia Cup 2022 Final – Sydney United 58 FC vs Macarthur FC
Date: Saturday, 1 October 2022
Location: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Kick-Off: 7:45pm AEST
Broadcast: Network 10 and 10 Play.
