Self-described “eternal optimist” Kenny Lowe has dared his Perth Glory players to dream of Hyundai A-League Finals Series success, citing football’s history of crazy upsets as motivation.
CRAZY THINGS CAN HAPPEN
With the Premiers Plate safely in Sydney FC’s possession after their win over Glory last week, many pundits are already tying the Sky Blues ribbons onto the Hyundai A-League Championship trophy as well.
“I’m probably in that majority, too,” Lowe told reporters before Friday night’s visit to Adelaide United.
“But does that stop people dreaming?
“Let’s just all wrap up now then, give it to Sydney and I’ll go on holiday,” he said with his trademark facetious refrain.
“Crazy things happen, you know?
“FA Cup Finals – Southampton beating Manchester United – never going to happen; Coventry beating Tottenham – never going to happen.
“Crazy things happen in football, so hopefully we’ll get some crazy things that’ll put your viewing figures up and everyone will be happy,” said Lowe.
TOP FOUR NOT AN IMPOSSIBILITY
With three rounds to go in the regular season, Lowe’s Glory are in fifth place, four points adrift of Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City.
Crucially though, Glory host both in the last two rounds of the season, leading the passionate Englishman to believe they can overhaul one or both of them and snare a home final.
“Why not?” Lowe asked.
“It’s feasible if you look at the fixtures – it’s actually possible – so why would you not feel that way?
“I’d probably feel it was possible even if it was impossible because I’m the eternal optimist.
“There’s going to be a hell of a lot of twists and turns before the end of the season,” he said.
LOWE URGES SECOND-STRINGERS TO STEP UP
Perth are hampered by injuries with defenders Alex Grant and Shane Lowry out for the season, while midfielders Nebojsa Marinkovic (groin) and Rostyn Griffiths (quad) are also sidelined and Rhys Williams is suspended.
“It’s not all doom and gloom,” said Lowe.
“Some guys are buzzing because they’re getting game time.
“It’s the end of the season, it’s contract time – why would you not want to play in a home final or even a Grand Final instead of being on the bench?
“If you win the next three, you don’t change the team, so people have got opportunities to stay in the team.
“Alright, we’ve got five players out who are probably five starting players in the first team but we’ll cope and we’ll be really diligent and we’ll have a real go to do really well,” said Lowe.
