Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson has labelled the team’s five day pre-season tour to Melbourne as the “real test”.
Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson has labelled the team-s five day pre-season tour to Melbourne as the “real test”.
As the squad today jetted out for games against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday and Melbourne Heart on Saturday, Ferguson feels the fixtures will be a good step up for the team-s preparation ahead of the Grand Final Rematch on October 7.
“We-ve been away to South Africa and had some great games against State league sides and now we-ve got the real test against A-League opposition,” Ferguson said.
“We-ve got three weeks to go until we play Brisbane Roar so I-m really looking forward to these games.”
The trip to Melbourne will also give Ferguson the chance to see Ryo Nagai in action.
The former Japan U-19 captain is currently on trial with the club and after two sharp training sessions, Nagai will be given his chance to impress on tour.
“Ryo can play anywhere across the front from 7 to 10 to 11.”
“He-s got a good pedigree, is technically very good, has good feet, left and right so it will be good to see him in a game situation.”
With the season opening blockbuster against Brisbane Roar at Patersons Stadium now only 19 days away, Ferguson said he-s been pleased with the pre-season.
“It-s been a long break, with a lot of time to reflect but everyone has worked hard and we still have a few things that we-ll work on.”
Star midfielder Liam Miller did not travel to Melbourne because of a sore back while Chris Harold and Evan Berger were also ruled out as they return to full fitness. Steven McGarry and Bas van den Brink will join the team on Thursday.
“At this stage of the pre-season we didn-t want to take any risks with Liam or any of the players,” Ferguson added.
