Milicich demands concentration on return home

Waitakere United Head Coach Chris Milicich is demanding high standards from his squad as they prepare to play Otago in the NZFC this weekend, their first match since taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup.



Milicich says this week is yet another of the challenges his side will face this year.



“Just as players need to get themselves ready for a big match with plenty on it, so too they must maintain standards in a week that might appear not to be quite so important. Rest assured though, if we drop our standards against Terry Phelan’s side we will be punished and must ensure we are on top of our game on Saturday.”



Milicich has named a strong squad, all of whom travelled to Japan for the Club World Cup but has not ruled out changes to the starting lineup.



“Each match presents its own challenge and we will select our side accordingly. Saturday may be an opportunity to introduce a number of our attacking options from the opening whistle, that will depend largely on how players train for the remainder of this week and the tactical approach that we take into the game.”



Shane Pascoe and Mikael Munday were not considered due to serious knee injuries picked up on the eve of departure to Japan. Both are likely to be sidelined long term, with Pascoe possibly out for the season.



Waitakere United v Otago United

Fred Taylor Park, Whenuapai

Saturday 15 December

Kickoff: 3pm

Referee: James Thian (Wellington)



Head to Head: The last match between these sides finished in an 8-0 win for Waitakere, the biggest winning margin in any match last season.



Waitakere United

The players: Shane Pascoe and Mikael Munday are long term absentees with knee injuries.



The vital statistics: Waitakere have won eight of the nine encounters between the two sides.



Squad List:

1-Richard Gillespie (GK), 2-Jonathan Perry, 4-Matt Cuneen, 5-Danny Hay (captain), 7-Jason Hayne, 8-Commins Menapi, 9-Benjamin Totori, 10-Allan Pearce, 11-Neil Sykes, 13-Daniel Koprivcic, 14-Hoani Edwards, 15-Chris Bale, 16-Neil Emblen, 17-Jake Butler, 22-Simon Eaddy (GK), 33-Paul Seaman.