Newly re-signed midfielder Paulo Retre has called for the Sky Blues’ faithful to turn out again at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Saturday against Adelaide United.
With the Sky Blues chasing a record-breaking 10th home win in a row, Retre has implored for an atmosphere similar to Sunday’s against Melbourne City, one the reigning Champion believes inspired Head Coach Steve Corica’s charges to the three points.
“I think it [the crowd] definitely helped,” Retre said.
“It was a great atmosphere, they’re basically a 12th man and they helped us through the game.
“It’s been fantastic playing at Jubilee and Leichhardt in front of the home crowds. Hopefully there’ll be another nice turnout this Saturday.
“It’s fantastic to win the game, but we have to keep going and not rest on our laurels,” he continued.
“Every win you get puts you in the right direction that you want to be as a club. Every win takes us closer to our goal and this weekend is just another step.”
The Sky Blues face Adelaide United on Saturday in Kogarah, and Retre said he’s expecting goals in an attacking affair, following on from the two side’s Round 1 fixture that ended in a 3-2 win for Sydney FC.
“They’re a good side, we played them in Round 1 and it was a very difficult game,” Retre said.
“They always play an entertaining game, scoring goals, but with playing an attacking brand you do concede. We’ve seen them, we’ll analyze them and it should be a good game on the weekend.
“They’ve got a lot of young exciting players. If [Al Hassan] Toure doesn’t play there’ll be someone else who can do a similar role for them, we won’t take them lightly.”
Reflecting on his re-signing on a new two-year deal, Retre credited the club culture with making his decision to stay in Sky Blue as easy as possible.
“I’m very excited to be staying for another two years,” he said.
“Everybody knows this is a fantastic club on and off the pitch and I’m just looking forward to repaying all the faith Sydney FC have shown in me in the last couple of years.
“The great culture here, the winning culture, and thinking of playing with this group for another two years [is what made me want to stay].
“It shows to the rest of the boys and the club that we’re looking to stay around and it’s for a reason, performances on and off the field, the coaching staff, fans and players alike are all excited by Sydney FC and the future.
“It comes down to the environment, if you’re happy on and off the field there’s not much else to say. It’s what makes the club good and brings a lot of success.”
Sydney FC kick off the new year with a bang at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Saturday (kick off 7:30pm AEDT). With family tickets for $49*, bring the whole crew down to back the table toppers in a summer sizzler.
