Tribulietx expects Super City derby cracker

Words: ACFC Media

Thursday 4 January 2018

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC coach Ramon Tribulietx believes his players are ready for the extra intensity of the Super City derby with Waitakere United on Sunday.

The Oceania champions have a game in hand on their rivals and are two points clear of third-placed Waitakere as teams jostle for playoff spots midway through the season.

Waitakere United's last victory against Auckland City FC was in early 2017 but although the Navy Blues start the match as favourites once again Tribulietx insists the magnitude of the fixture has not diminished.

"We've had a good week of training and this game will not only be difficult in a technical sense but the fact it is a derby always adds an extra bit of intensity.

"These games are very difficult to predict how they will go and Waitakere have recovered some form after a difficult start.

"This is a tough game to start 2018 with but its always a fixture everyone wants to play in."

Tribulietx reckons he knows what to expect from Waitakere United, despite their own derby setback against Eastern Suburbs AFC prior to the festive break.

"They are always a dangerous team when they counter attack through players like Dylan Manickum, Keegan Linderboom and Yuki Ohtsuka. Defensively they are always tough to break down with the likes of Julyan Collett and Jake Butler playing through the middle.

"The question will be how sharp we are after the break so mental strength is important as is persevering with our style of play," he said.

The action gets underway at Kiwitea Street on Sunday 7 January 2018 at 2pm.

Ends

Match Details
ISPS Handa Premiership
Sunday 7 January 2018
Auckland City FC v Waitakere United
Kiwitea Street, Sandringham
Kick-off: 2pm NZST