Coach ... Tony Popovic puts his players through the paces. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited
They?ve won six in a row, look as fit as a fiddle and have defied belief and expectations. So how does Western Sydney coach Tony Popovic reward his Wanderers charges?
With a gruelling double session on Tuesday, to raise the intensity after a couple of lighter weeks.
Look out, Perth.
"He motivates the squad to work hard every day," Wanderers defender Adam D’Apuzzo told foxsports.com.au this week.
"Tony will put on a drill and ensure the boys take it on themselves to take on the drills with very high intensity. Although it is hard work, it is always focused tactically on the opponents we are taking on."
The Wanderers, in their foundation season, could take their extraordinary rise one step further this weekend and hit top spot if they beat Perth at 5.30pm (EDT) on Saturday. They’ll remain there if Central Coast Mariners lose to Melbourne Victory later that night.
Coach Popovic, also in his maiden season as a head coach, has been widely praised for his role in guiding the fledgling side.
We asked D’Apuzzo, who has played 16 matches this season, what the secret to his style was – and how he has dealt with the squad's recent rise to Championship favourites.
"What I’ve seen from Poppa is his level of detail – down to the small details in the game," D’Apuzzo said.
"He and (assistant coach) Ante Milicic really analyse the game for hours on the opposition, so we improve and know what to counter.
"It’s something I haven’t experienced to that level before.
"Also, the level of respect they ensure we have for each other, and the level of professionalism in the team is huge. Everyone is on board in trying to achieve the same goal."
Popovic has had the luxury of few injuries through the season, which has allowed him to rotate his squad and give fringe players the chance to excel. Some have queried that approach – but D’Apuzzo says it’s a secret behind keeping the side grounded.
"He really makes sure the guys don’t get ahead of themselves.
"Everyone is quite humble and knows the job isn’t done just yet.
"Especially with the depth in the squad, there’s no room for complacency.
"We’re happy with six in a row but we know it takes hard work."
While the Wanderers are a rags to riches story as a collective, they are only as good as the sum of their parts. Their squad is filled with intriguing football journeys, hardships overcome and careers rejuvenated.
D’Apuzzo’s contribution is as unlikely as any player.
The 26-year-old had quit the A-League after the 2010-2011 to take a job at PriceWaterhouseCoopers after five seasons at Newcastle Jets.
He’d won a grand final there, had enjoyed a solid career and was looking forward to establishing himself in his new occupation.
Then came a call from Popovic.
D’Apuzzo, speaking to foxsports.com.au at the Nike Mercurial boot launch earlier in the week, admitted there were nagging doubts. But for now, there’s plenty of time for accounting later.
"It could’ve gone either way," D’Apuzzo said. "But it’s been an absolute fairytale.
"No one would’ve picked what we’ve done.
"We had 10 players signed just a few weeks before the season and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.
"But I had the belief in Tony and Ante that we were going to do something special and I had an inkling, how hard we were working, that we would get there.
"I still keep in touch (with work) and it’s still waiting for me; I’m still young, loving what I’m doing and I’ve got plenty of time to do that."
Can the Wanderers make it a sensational seven? Watch from 5.30pm (EDT), Saturday on Fox Sports 1HD to find out if they can beat Perth Glory.
