A-League Women: Perth Glory eager to bounce back in top of the table clash with Melbourne City

Perth Glory coach Alex Epakis says his side are determined to atone for a disappointing showing and their first defeat of the A-League Women season in Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash with Melbourne City. After winning their first four games of the season, a draw followed by a loss to fellow top four sides Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix has seen Perth slip behind City in second spot. Arriving in Melbourne with the taste of defeat in New Zealand still palpable, Epakis said the response from the players since they had returned to the training track had been exactly what he wanted to see. “We’ve definitely had a lot of time to reflect on that performance and it certainly wasn’t one that was our best outing. We acknowledge we did a few things well, but on the whole, there was a number of things we would have liked to have done better,” he said. “The response from the players since we returned from Auckland has been really good. I know there was a bit of a sour taste when you don’t win, but we’ve accepted that we’ve learnt from it and the players have been really eager to put the learning into practice at training. “That’s allowed for a really good energy of what we’re doing on the pitch and I genuinely couldn’t fault what it’s been like the last couple of days.” Having missed the finals in his first few seasons in charge, Epakis said it was a thrill to be playing in games this big. “City have a really good squad, they are well structured and have a really clear playing style with and without the ball and on a personal note, I’m really excited at what that challenge will look like for the team,” he said. “Credit to City, they are where they are because they’re consistent and it’s a great opportunity to test ourselves against the team that’s sitting top. “We’re in a position now where we’re competing with the best teams and doing it week in, week out, going in with that confidence, knowing if we’re really focused and committed to our performance, it can excite us and it excites me.” With an international break meaning no game last weekend, Epakis gave the players time off, while those who were on international duty - Grace Jale, Georgia Cassidy and Grace Johnston - have returned with no injury issues. Epakis said he did not think his side would be overawed by the occasion against City and they could not afford to focus too much on their opponents. “To have the opportunity to right some of those wrongs is something I know the players are really keen for and i’m really focused on helping the players have an improved performance and if we do that, we give ourselves a chance to go up against anyone,” he said. “If we focus on that and not so much who we’re coming up against, that’s probably important for us right now.”