May 24, 2024...Preview of York United FC vs HFX Wanderers FC game (from York United FC website)

'THE PLAYERS KNOW WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO': CARETAKER BOSS EUSTÁQUIO READY FOR FRIDAY NIGHT CHALLENGE
HFX Wanderers are seeking their first win of the season and visit York Lions Stadium.

THE DETAILS

'The show must go on' is a famous phrase in drama or theatre. It signifies the resilience and dedication of performers to continue their performance despite any challenges or setbacks they may face. Despite the technical shake-up at the club this week, York United FC cannot be bogged down by Martin Nash’s exit as Head Coach.

Interim appointment Mauro Eustáquio knows there is no time to cry over spilled milk and wants to quickly hit the ground running with the visit of Halifax Wanderers to York Lions Stadium tonight.

"We have our goal. Every game we set our goal for that game and then we look at the bigger scale. I think that we'll encounter challenges that might take our focus out but we have to be professional," Eustáquio said at his first press conference on Thursday ahead of the match.

"We have to make sure that everybody's in a good mindset. We've spoken to the players in the past few days, made sure the leadership group is in the right mindset and that they're taking the rest of the group in the same direction."

"We know that it's important to show up and do well on Friday so we are quite confident with where we are right now. We're excited. We have a game plan and if we stick to it, I think we'll be okay."

The guests are winless this season with a 0-1-4 and there will be that desire to try and halt that run at North York.

Wanderers have the likes of Daniel Nimick, Giorgio Probo, and Riley Ferrazzo to call upon for assistance but York have been buoyed by last week’s spirited display at Calgary where they fought back to earn a 2-2 draw with Cavalry FC.

Eustáquio also revealed what his approach for the match will be for the upcoming contest.

He said: "I think the game plan was obviously in the making right after the Calgary game. It's a situation that we have two days to prep for the game. This strategy was built; the way we want to play and defend and attack was already stipulated. I'm not going to save the world in two days so I just want to make sure that the players know exactly what the game is. I'm pretty confident they understand the message, they understand what they have to do and we're excited to see how tomorrow turns out. "

York United captain Mo Babouli is expected to make a return to the starting line-up after sitting out the trip to Calgary with a back injury with Eustáquio revealing the treatment room has been a lot quieter this week.

"I think we're probably at our healthiest point so far this season. It's important to not only have players fit and to be able to play 90 minutes, but to have those players involved in training sessions. I think it helps the team be more competitive, " he said.

"I'm quite happy with the sessions we've had this week. Everybody's hungry not only for the three points but to be involved."

Ridwan Ibrahim Asante

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