Josep Gombau’s Western Sydney Wanderers lost 3-1 to Sydney FC, their second derby loss this season as the Spaniard’s record slumped to six losses and three draws in 14 games.

Undeterred however, Gombau is asking for patience. Reflecting on the A-League’s ‘cyclical’ shifts of power season-to-season, he insisted that “things can change quickly.”

"Two years ago I came here with Adelaide United and Sydney FC was not the same side as they are now,” Gombau said.

"And we [Wanderers] are in a good way.

"We are very clear on what we need to do and we are working for sure.

"There are cycles and sometimes teams are high on the table and doing well and after that it can change.

"I think we have a very clear idea of what we need to do and it is something we will do."

The Red and Black now sit sixth, occupying the last finals spot by virtue of a horrific start to Brisbane Roar’s season, who are now four points behind them.

"We started well and we scored but this goal [to Sydney FC] before half time mentally affected us as we were winning, then in the last moment of the first half we conceded this goal," he said.

"We started well in the second half but the second goal also was difficult for us.

"We tried but they [Sydney FC] are a very good side and they won."