They may have been defeated by Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium last night but Wrexham AFC boss Phil Parkinson was full of praise for the Sky Blues and indeed the Isuzu UTE A-League.
The 2-1 loss was Wrexham’s first defeat since arriving Down Under ,having recently dispatched Melbourne Victory 3-0 at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
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While the result itself wasn’t too important, Parkinson believes the calibre of opposition on display meant the match was a valuable exercise for his side.
“I think as a workout, it was a decent game for us,” said Parkinson when speaking to reporters after the game.
“Some of the quality from us wasn’t where it needs to be. First half, I thought we were in control, got the goal, and then conceding off a set play, it gave them a lift.
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“Second half, we got a lot of good possession, got in some good areas, but the quality of our crossing wasn’t where it needed to be to go and take advantage of that, that kind of pressure we had.
“And in fairness to the (Sydney FC) youngsters, the lad who came on and scored the goal produced one moment of real quality in the second half and that’s what football is about. It’s big moments and credit to him for that.”
The Red Dragons will now depart Australia and head to New Zealand as they prepare to face Wellington Phoenix on Saturday at Sky Stadium in what will be the third and final stop on their tour Down Under.
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A season-opening clash with Southampton looms large on the horizon as Wrexham begin their EFL Championship campaign in early August following an incredible three consecutive promotions.
“I think the pace which the Aussie teams are capable of playing at with athleticism is good, you know,” said Parkinson when asked if the level of the Isuzu UTE A-League teams they’ve faced has been comparable to that of the EFL Championship..
“You could see that they could match us in terms of tempo. You know, they look a fit, strong team and obviously the benefit for for them tonight was seeing the youngsters get that opportunity.
“It’s important for them to give the youngsters an opportunity and develop their own players. So yeah, on tonight’s display, you’ve got to say that it looked a good standard.”
With fellow EFL Championship sides Portsmouth and Queens Park Rangers making waves in recent weeks following a series of high-profile transfers from the Isuzu UTE A-League, Parkinson said he can see why European clubs are paying close attention to the competition.
“I mean, look at the young players who came on tonight, the athleticism of them and the quality. You know, the European market is expensive and they’ve (Portsmouth) dipped into the Australian market, and it’s in every league.
“You know there’s quality players to be identified and signed but I think the Sydney youngsters tonight, you know, in front of 40,000 people, what an opportunity for them.”
