Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths has emphasised the importance of micro moments and clinical execution as his team navigates a challenging period in the A-League Men competition. Despite two consecutive losses and a broader run of five defeats in seven matches, Griffiths maintains his side is competitive and close to turning results around.
Griffiths Identifies Key Areas for Improvement
Speaking ahead of Saturday night's home clash against ladder-leaders Auckland FC, Griffiths pointed to specific instances in recent games where Perth failed to capitalise on opportunities. In Sunday's 1-0 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers, Glory created chances in the first half through Adam Taggart and Nicholas Pennington but could not convert, before conceding a late winner to former English Premier League winger Ryan Fraser.
We had some good moments in that game. We didn't take them early, the momentum shifted in that last 20 minutes and we had a little bit of a lapse of concentration, and we conceded, Griffiths explained. We just have to work harder, really focus on those areas and start to become more clinical in those moments.
Current Ladder Position and Finals Hopes
The recent form slump has seen Perth Glory slip to 10th on the A-League Men ladder, sitting just three points above last-placed Central Coast Mariners. However, they remain within six points of fourth spot, keeping their finals aspirations alive for what would be their first postseason appearance since 2020.
Griffiths stressed that while the team won't make drastic changes to their approach, refining execution in pressure situations could make all the difference. From our perspective, we've been very close in every game. We feel like we can beat anyone that we've played thus far, he said. It's about refocusing every day on those micro moments, honing in on them and seeing how we can continue to improve.
Returning Players and Selection Considerations
On the team news front, Lachie Wales could feature against Auckland FC after completing his rehabilitation from a hamstring issue. Griffiths also mentioned the need to carefully manage the minutes of returning players including Wales, Jaiden Kucharski and Stefan Colakovski, the latter two having made substitute appearances last week.
It was difficult last week. We brought players back in, but they haven't really done a huge amount of work, Griffiths noted. They're all a week more in terms of their fitness levels, which is good. They've touched the ball more, they've worked a little bit harder.
Regarding Wales specifically, Griffiths added: Lachie Wales is definitely someone that we will look to potentially bring in. As long as everything goes well for the next training session, then they're all up for selection.
With the visit from table-topping Auckland FC presenting both a challenge and opportunity, Griffiths' focus remains squarely on improving those critical micro moments that could determine whether Perth Glory can reverse their fortunes and reignite their finals campaign.
