The Parramatta Stadium is looking worse for wear.
The Western Sydney Wanderers set up a home final on either April 12th or 14th, with a scrappy 2-1 win over Wellington on the weekend.
With a five point clear lead on the A-League table, the Wanderers are concerned about the quality of the Parramatta Stadium’s pitch now that the NRL season has begun.
According to Fox Sports, the Wanderers are worried the pitch will not allow the passing football style that the A-League’s top team team displayed early in the year.
Parramatta Stadium was one of many A-League venues suffering from pitch quality issues following the commencement of the NRL and Rugby Union games, with some games being played the day before.
The Parramatta Eels began their NRL season over the weekend which saw the Wanderers changing rooms re-painted in the Eels team colours of Blue and Gold.
Wanderers officials believe the issue needs to be addressed, at least in the long run, as the A-League team will play 13 games at Parramatta Stadium this season compared with eight for the Eels.
Coach Tony Popovic blamed the Parra Stadium pitch for his sides nervous performance against the Wellington with the win only secured through a penalty gifted by Wellington Phoenix midfielder Vince Lia.
“They wanted to play but seemed nervous to get on the ball because of the pitch,” said Popovic of his team.
“They lost a couple of balls trying to play and I think they lost confidence because of that and became a bit too predictable.”
COMMENTS