Western United Head Coach Mark Rudan was pleased overall despite going down to Melbourne City on Wednesday night at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Sydney.
A young United side were defeated 3-1 by their Victorian rivals in the final home-and-away match of the season, confirming a fifth-place finish for the Green and Black.
Rudan was content however, and says the main focus was on Sunday’s elimination final.
“I think players are quite intelligent. They understand what the game was about today and the full focus was on Sunday,” Rudan told reporters during the post-game press conference.
“We’re in a very good place. We kept the messages nice and positive after the game.
“The most important thing for me was no injuries.”
Rudan applauded his young players once again for their performances against City.
Five of United’s starters were aged 21 or under, while youngsters Dylan Pierias and Josh Cavallo came off the bench.
“Their attitude has been fantastic and they’ve worked extremely hard,” Rudan said.
“I thought Luke Duzel had a very good game particularly in the second half.
“Dylan Pierias got some more minutes, Josh Cavallo got more minutes, and Oskar Dillon backed up from four days ago.”
Western United will face Brisbane Roar in an elimination this Sunday, August 23 at Bankwest Stadium. Kick-off is at 6:00pm AEST.
