Steven Lustica looking ahead to next challenge against Macarthur

Western United midfielder Steven Lustica insists the intensity has remained at the highest level as the side looks to earn its first points of the new season.

The No.10 said the commitment from the group has never wavered and he is confident that the team will bounce back in the coming weeks.

“The intensity has been there since day one of pre-season. I know the results haven’t been there, but the intensity in training has,” he said.

“It’s always been at a high standard, we maintain those high standards and we drive each other in training, and the coaches drive us as well.

“We’ve just got to rectify a few mistakes and stick to our structures, I’m sure that we will and we’ll bounce back.”

Despite the defeats in the opening two weeks, there have been plenty of positives to take from both matches, with Lustica noting a particularly improved performance in the first half against Sydney FC on Sunday.

“Obviously they’ve been disappointing results in the last two weeks. Last game especially, against Sydney in the first half I thought we played well,” she said.

“The second half wasn’t as good, but the boys are positive and we’ve got another game in five days. That’s the beauty of football, you can quickly turn it around.

“We’re all positive, we know where we have to improve, we’re going to have a good week of training and make sure we rectify that on Friday.”

The strength of Western United’s resolve has been well-documented since John Aloisi took over at the beginning of last season, with the Club’s culture widely celebrated.

Lustica is positive that culture will once again come to the fore as the group comes together to find solutions on the pitch.

“One thing that we have in this group is we have a great culture. We’re really together, we’ve got a great bunch of boys and obviously we showed that last season. It’s no different this season, and this is the time to show that now,” he said.

“One of our biggest strengths is the culture, the togetherness that we have – everyone works for each other. I’m sure in the coming weeks everyone will see that out there.”

Macarthur FC will give United another stern test on Friday, coming off the Australia Cup crown and a win and a draw in the first two rounds of the season.

Lustica and his teammates are well aware of the talent the Bulls possess, but the midfielder said preparations will be not be affected by the form guide.

“We’ll know their strengths and weaknesses, but every game in the A-League Men is tough. You don’t get any easy games, you’ve got to play all the teams and every team will give you challenges that you have to face,” he said.

“We’ll prepare like we do for every game, it’ll be another good test for us and one where we’re eager to get out there and bounce back.”