Zadkovich not losing faith in Perth Glory as tough run continues

It hasn’t been the year that many might have imagined for Perth Glory, but interim coach Ruben Zadkovich’s belief in this squad has never wavered. 

“My confidence and belief will never waver through tough times,” Zadkovich said after a 2-0 loss to Adelaide United on Sunday. 

Zadkovich himself a former A-League Men’s player, who made over 150 appearances for three different sides, admitted his challenging football journey has allowed him to relate to his players. 

“Nothing I’ve had in football has ever been easy. Nothing was given to me, I always had to earn it, and I’ve gotten this position through hard work,” Zadkovich said. 

“So, I’m familiar with tough times, and I think sharing some of my unwavering belief onto the boys means that they’re able to stay resilient and resolute through the adversity.” 

Adversity has been the word of the season for Zadkovich’s men as they sit last on the table and are winless in their last 15 matches. 

And the heavy blows have not stopped, with a 6-0 defeat to Western United last week and a 6-1 defeat to Newcastle Jets the week prior. 

But Zadkovich could not be prouder of his young side for bouncing back after last week’s difficult loss. 

Sides do not get much younger than the team Perth put out on Sunday with an average age of 21.8 and only two outfield players being over the age of 28. 

Five teenagers took to the field too, whilst two made their debuts, and Zadkovich says it puts the results into perspective. 

“If other teams were taking their NPL side on the road and playing seven games in 21 days, travelling away from home, then the results, you know, are put in perspective really,” Zadkovich said.  

Now the challenge is to keep this young sides belief and confidence high as they go into their last two games for the season, but wins aren’t the biggest factor for this side. 

“It’s not about just winning, it’s about earning it,” Zadkovich said.  

“Right now, through effort, they’re giving themselves a chance but through a lack of quality, they’re probably not quite good enough to go and get themselves out of the line and get a result. 

“Which is good because it means that they have to stick to the principles of what it takes to be a professional footballer, and that is the constant struggle and the constant yearning to be better.” 

Perth will get back on the bus and head back home as they face Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne City to round out the final games of their campaign.  

Featured image credit: Vision Inspired Photography