Perth Glory's interim coach Adam Griffiths is demanding a full mental and tactical reset from his players as they embark on a critical two-match road trip to Melbourne. The call comes after a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Macarthur FC, a result that has intensified the pressure on the struggling club.
A Crucial Melbourne Road Trip Looms
The Glory are set to face Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday, April 13th, followed by a clash with Melbourne Victory on Tuesday, April 16th. This double-header represents a pivotal moment in their season, offering a chance to salvage pride and build momentum. Griffiths, who took over the reins following the departure of Alen Stajcic, is adamant that the team must wipe the slate clean. The coach emphasised the need to move on from recent setbacks and focus entirely on the challenges ahead in Victoria.
"We've got to reset," Griffiths stated firmly. "We've got to go there with a clear mindset and really attack these two games." He acknowledged the difficulty of the task, facing two of the league's stronger sides in quick succession on their home turf, but sees it as an opportunity for the group to bond and respond.
Addressing Defensive Frailties and Building Unity
The loss to Macarthur highlighted ongoing issues, particularly in defence where lapses proved costly. Griffiths pointed to the need for greater resilience and collective responsibility. The team currently sits second-last on the A-League Men ladder, a position that underscores the urgency for improvement. The extended time on the road, while challenging, is being framed as a positive. The coach believes that being away together, without the distractions of home, can foster stronger team cohesion and focus.
"Sometimes it's good to get away," Griffiths explained. "You're in each other's pockets, you're reviewing games together, you're preparing for the next game together. It can really unite the group." This trip is seen as more than just two matches; it's a chance to rebuild the team's culture and fighting spirit under the new interim leadership.
The Path Forward for Glory
With only a handful of matches remaining in the season, the immediate goal is to finish on a positive note. While finals football is almost certainly out of reach, performances in Melbourne will be closely scrutinised by fans and management alike. Griffiths' approach is centred on instilling a harder edge and a more proactive style of play. The message to the squad is clear: view the Melbourne trip as a mini-campaign where they can set new standards.
The coming days will test the squad's character. Facing Melbourne City and then Melbourne Victory in a four-day span is one of the tougher assignments in the league. However, Adam Griffiths is backing his players to embrace the challenge and show a marked improvement. The success of this "full reset" will be measured by their attitude and application on the pitch in these two daunting away fixtures.
