Tara Murray
Western United’s motto of being prepared to adapt has been tested in a big way the last month.
After flying in the first part of the A-League season, United’s last three games have been postponed following a number of COVID-19 cases at the club.
United’s football general manager Mal Impiombato said a large majority of the club, both players and staff, have had to isolate as either a positive case or household contact.
“First and foremost we’ve looked after the player, football is second,” he said.
“We’ve had things in place since the pre-season and we knew at some point they were likely to kick into play.
“We expected to have players missing from time to time. The majority of the group has had it or been a household contact.
“Everyone has been affected in some way.”
Impiombato said at one point training came to a complete halt for three days as they tried to mitigate the spread.
He said once someone was in isolation, it was then about working out what was best for them.
“The most important thing is to look after the players,” he said.
“The doctor gave them support and they were given anything they needed to get through that period.
“Once they have limited symptoms for two or three days, we would work with them on an individual program so they have the ability to remain in reasonable fitness.
“Everything depends on the player.”
United is not alone in the A-League, with a number of matches across the competition postponed due to cases. Other major sporting competitions, including the BBL, NBL AND WNBL have all postponed games too.
Impiombato said with all clubs being impacted in some way, ladder positions and finals could be determined on which team handles the situation better.
“Every club is impacted, we are not different,” he said.
“We will not use it as an excuse. It’s not ideal and something we will have to continue to manage throughout the season.
“Hopefully we will be back for our next game against Newcastle Jets on January 19.”
Impiombato said having got early points on the board had proved vital with the uncertainty occurring in the league.
Heading in the weekend’s matches, United was third on the ladder.
Both United’s losses have come against Melbourne Victory.
“Points on the board early is good as we don’t know what will be thrown at us this year.
“There’s scope to move and our big motto is be prepared to adapt. The team that does that the best could find themselves on top.”
Impiombato said a big group of players had returned to training in recent days and were preparing themselves for this week’s match.
They will face a heavy schedule in the coming weeks as they look to make up the three matches that were postponed.
“There will be some mid-week games and we will work with the APL [Australian Professional Leagues] and see what it looks like.
“The overseas transfer window is open soon and we’ll see what opportunities there are to bolster are squad and add numbers.”
