Wanderers fans are forgiven for being a little worried.
The present is unlike anything of the recent past. Seven goals conceded, zero points and right on the doorstep of the biggest two games in the club’s history.
How Tony Popovic turns this around is anyone’s guess.
Yet history suggests anyone’s guess is irrelevant.
Go back to December 9, 2012.
Only 22 months ago, but a lifetime in football terms especially for the Western Sydney Wanderers.
They came into a game against defending champions Brisbane Roar having won three of nine matches. Reasonable form for a new side finding its feet, but nothing earth shattering.
It was summer, but far from it at Parramatta Stadium. Cloudy, windswept and not that appetising as a day to head out and enjoy yourself at the football.
Only 6,755 did so. Parramatta, now Pirtek, only 1/3 full. Again, a lifetime ago, but only 22 months in the rear-vision mirror. The Wanderers won that day, thanks to a late Shinji Ono penalty. Got a bit of luck too as Brisbane rattled the woodwork late on for a would-be equalizer.
But since that moment, Australian club football has never quite been the same. The Wanderers jumped from 8th to 4th with the win. They lost just two of the next 19 games that season, both to Graham Arnold’s Mariners, on the way to a Premier’s Plate and Grand Final.
That day, December 9, was the last time they’ve been outside the top six until now.
A switch was flicked that day, and not just on the park. Crowds have built to the point of over-subscription for season tickets.
Seats for the Champions League Final are like Willy Wonka Golden Tickets, as they should be.
So to this point – to become the best in Asia.
Another switch needs to be flicked, inside that dressing room. Confidence won’t be bouncing off the walls, given the events of the last two weeks.
But given the last 22 months, it should be.
The unthinkable has happened before with this club
Who’s to say it can’t happen again.
