Gombau set to shop for attackers: Baccus

Dec 7, 2017 - 3:52 AM Western Sydney midfielder Kearyn Baccus predicts new coach Josep Gombau may offload defenders in January and replace them with pace further up the field.

As attacking injuries mount ahead of Saturday's Sydney derby, Baccus outlined why he believed the balance of the squad Gombau inherited from Tony Popovic was not well suited to the Spaniard's possession-based philosophy.

"What we had before was a lot more structured in the way of defending, and Josep is a lot more attacking," Baccus told AAP.

"We've got a lot more defending players which I think he might need to change in January to suit the way he wants to play.

"I think we're lacking a little bit on the wings and up front. The boys are doing well defensive wise and in midfield but we need some pace out wide and up front, maybe even a No.10."

Baccus, who has cemented his spot as a consistent midfield performer, reiterated Gombau's message that change will take time.

"It's gone from one extreme to another," he said.

"With Popa we had six at the back, with Josep we have four plus one.

"But we had a lot of outs with Popa, so could play a lot of long balls ... Josep wants us to keep it on deck, keep possession and play out from the back and make it exciting for people to watch."

Despite poor recent results - the Wanderers have not won a game since the opening round - Baccus assured there'd been no loss of faith before hosting Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium.

The quietly spoken 26-year-old took heart from the last two displays against the champions - last season's 1-0 win and October's 2-2 fightback.

"Our confidence hasn't really been dampened, whether we've lost these last two games," Baccus said.

"It just comes down to us boys believing what we're going to be doing under Josep and taking one game at a time.

"People are putting too much pressure on the team even though there's another 20 games left."

Source: AAP