Perth Glory's A-League Women's coach, Stephen Peters, has openly addressed his team's significant struggle to control the ball during matches, but remains steadfast in his belief that the issue can be resolved. The comments come in the wake of a challenging 2-0 defeat to Melbourne Victory at Home of the Matildas in Melbourne.
Analysing the Possession Problem
The statistics from the match paint a clear picture of the challenge facing the Glory. The team managed only 39% possession across the 90 minutes, a figure that starkly highlights their difficulty in dictating the tempo of the game. This lack of control on the ball made it exceedingly difficult to build sustained attacking pressure and create clear-cut scoring opportunities against a well-organised Victory side.
Coach Peters did not shy away from the reality of the performance. He acknowledged that while the team's defensive structure and effort were commendable for large portions of the game, their inability to retain possession ultimately proved costly. The match saw Melbourne Victory's Paige Zois and Rachel Lowe find the back of the net, securing the three points for the home team and leaving Perth to rue their limited time with the ball.
A Confident Path Forward
Despite the disappointing result and the underlying statistical concern, Stephen Peters' message to fans and players alike is one of optimism and focused improvement. He emphasised that the solution is not a mystery, but rather a matter of execution and composure on the pitch. The coaching staff has identified specific areas in the team's build-up play and decision-making under pressure that need refinement.
Peters expressed strong confidence that the current squad possesses the technical quality and football intelligence to correct this trend. The focus at training will be on developing patterns of play that allow for safer and more effective ball retention, particularly when transitioning from defence into attack. The coach believes that with dedicated work on the training ground, the players will become more comfortable and proficient in maintaining possession, which is seen as a fundamental key to achieving better results.
Looking Ahead to the Next Challenge
The immediate task for Perth Glory is to translate this confidence and training ground work into a tangible on-field improvement. Every match in the A-League Women's competition presents an opportunity to build momentum and climb the ladder. The team's ability to learn from the Melbourne Victory match and demonstrate growth in their ball control will be closely watched by supporters.
The resolve from the coaching staff is clear: this period is about problem-solving and development. Stephen Peters and his players are treating the possession issue as a solvable puzzle, one they are determined to piece together as the season progresses. The belief within the camp is that fixing this core aspect of their game will unlock the team's full potential and lead to more positive performances and results in the weeks to come.
