UPDATE: Perth Glory midfielder Callum Timmins has thrown his support behind interim coach Adam Griffiths, as the team gears up for an urgent clash against the Newcastle Jets this Sunday, October 29, 2023. The Glory are on a desperate hunt for their first win of the season after enduring a challenging start.
The squad is set to travel to the Hunter Valley looking to secure their first three points of the season. With the sacking of former head coach David Zdrilic, Perth has struggled to find their footing, aiming to reverse their fortunes with Griffiths at the helm.
Timmins emphasized the positive impact of Griffiths’ coaching style, noting a significant increase in team intensity during training sessions. “Griff’s certainly come straight in and has really upped the intensity,” he stated, reflecting on a rigorous training period during their bye week. “He likes to have the ball, and he’s very honest in terms of how he coaches with everyone.”
Under Zdrilic, the Glory averaged just 34.65% possession. In contrast, Griffiths has propelled this figure to an impressive 56.56%. Timmins conveyed the players’ eagerness to hold onto the ball, which he believes enhances their performance. “When you have the ball, you seem to not do as much running. It’s obviously a lot more enjoyable,” he added.
Despite the increased possession, Perth has yet to convert opportunities into goals, ranking last in the league for scoring. Timmins highlighted the need for the team to be more “ruthless” in front of the net, stating, “We need to take our chances. When we start doing that, we’ll just keep going on a roll.”
The urgency for success is palpable within the squad. Timmins, who is in his third stint with the club, expressed the collective frustration and determination to rewrite their narrative, stating, “The squad, the club, the staff, everyone involved, we’re so hungry for success now. Everyone wants to be winning.”
The stakes are high as Perth strives to avoid a third consecutive wooden spoon. Timmins underscored the emotional weight of representing his hometown club, noting, “Winning here would mean so much more to me. It’s not just me being from Perth; it’s even the lads that have come from interstate, the lads overseas are so hungry to win and bring success to this club.”
With Griffiths’ fresh approach and the team’s renewed determination, all eyes will be on the Glory this Sunday as they seek their first victory of the season. Fans are hopeful that this match will mark a turning point in the club’s fortunes.
