Sage reveals secrets to Glory’s early-season success

Perth Glory owner Tony Sage is enjoying the rarified air at the top of the A-League, but insists the club still have a mountain to climb to stay there.

Yet to taste title success since assuming control of Glory over a decade ago, Sage has endured one grand final and two FFA Cup final defeats during his often turbulent tenure.

But with tunnel-visioned taskmaster Tony Popovic at the helm this season, Glory are two points clear at the top after four rounds and appear better placed than ever to break the mould.

Sage credits AFC Champions League winner Popovic with bringing a new attitude to the team, along with canny recruitment practices, a revamped playing style and previously unseen fitness levels.

But he’s not been rendered giddy by the scent of success.

“Yes, it’s been a great start but I am not getting carried away, and nor is Tony (Popovic),” he declared.

“I’m just happy we’ve got points in the bag before Christmas, when in the previous four or five years we haven’t had that.

“There are lots of things that can happen, in terms of injuries and such, and we’re taking nothing for granted I can assure you.

“It’s early doors and you can’t judge anything until everybody has played everyone home and away.
“Things will take shape at around Round 15 and you’ll know pretty much how good your squad is and what position you’re going to be in.”

Heading into Sunday’s home clash against rock bottom Central Coast Mariners, Glory find themselves at the summit for the first time since Round 20 of the 2014-2015 season and their tally of 10 points from their opening four games is a club record.

The Popovic factor - which yielded a Premiership and three grand finals during his time with Western Sydney Wanderers - is already working its magic.

“He’s created a lot of depth by attracting quality players who want to work under him here,” added Sage, who must take the plaudits for digging deep to bring in a coach possessed of such kudos.

“We haven’t had Diego Castro, Matthew Spiranovic, Brendon Santalab or Chris Harold play this season yet - and three out of the four would probably make the starting team in years gone by.

“That gives you an indication of the depth at the club. When you add those players to the equation it looks pretty good.

“There’s also a completely different playing style now from the Perth Glory of the last four or five years, and the fitness levels are extremely high.”

Whilst paying due deference to Popovic, Sage is keen to point to the qualities of his predecessor, Kenny Lowe.

“I certainly don’t want to discount the coach I backed for four years in Kenny Lowe,” he added.

“And you can see the esteem he’s held in when, of all the coaches around, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold just brought him in as his assistant with the national team.”


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3 min read
Published 16 November 2018 2:45pm
By Dave Lewis

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