A-League Men: Perth Glory coach David Zdrilic hoping to build on first win of the season against Macarthur

Perth Glory coach David Zdrilic says they are not focusing too much on their opening match mauling at the hands of Macarthur as they prepare for Friday’s return fixture at HBF Park.

After the optimism of their Australia Cup campaign in the off-season, Zdrilic’s first A-League Men’s game as Glory coach began with a 6-1 hiding at the hands of the Bulls.

It set the tone for Perth’s torrid start to the season, with the Glory failing to win any of their following seven games before finally getting off the mark against Brisbane last week.

Zdrilic said they were not thinking too much about their previous loss to Macarthur, pointing out the other losses stung just as much, and they were desperate to build on the win over the Roar.

“We haven’t started the season very well — that was obviously the first game, but we’ve had other results that have not been great for us.

“So in general, we just want to kick on from this very positive result for us and and in front of our fans, who have been very loyal.

“When you’re winning games, it’s a much different feeling. Winning this game has done a lot for the confidence of the group, because they see that we can win games.”

Zdrilic was hopeful of a return for captain Adam Taggart after the reigning golden boot winner missed the win over Brisbane through sickness.

While Macarthur have had a quick turnaround and will arrive in Perth after drawing 1-1 with Central Coast on Monday, Zdrilic said the short break and travel would likely not impact them, but he wanted the Glory to make things tough for them.

He was wary, however, of the pace in transition Macarthur would bring to the table, with wingers Marin Jakolis and Jed Drew always willing runners in behind.

“Anybody coming to Perth, it should be a tough trip for them and that’s one thing we have to focus on. Positive coming out of Brisbane, and we want to take that into this next game,” Zdrilic said.

“They can break, they can counter, and they can transition, they can get in behind you and be deadly.

“We know that from the first game, but they’ve been doing that regularly, not only this season, but last season as well.

“It’s about us taking our game to them and and we know their strengths, but we need to make sure that they’re tested and it can go both ways. We need to make sure we swing that momentum in our favor.”