Sydney FC Captain Alex Wilkinson says he’s excited by the Sky Blues’ fresh approach after a first week of heavy pre-season fitness training and bedding in new tactics.
The recently re-signed defender believes the change will add that little bit of extra spice and energy in training until the competitive games return.
“It’s exciting to do some things that are a little bit new,” he said.
“It’s a fresh challenge for everyone, and something that every player in every position is going to have to do differently to what they’ve done before.
“It keeps people mentally fresh and stimulated and it’s an exciting way of playing as well, so we are looking forward to learning, playing and nailing it.”
The Socceroos World Cup centre-half also accepts the Sky Blues ability to switch systems will also give them the edge.
“It’s good to have options and everyone is well aware of their roles in the previous system so if we ever need to revert back to it, everyone can do that at the drop of a hat.
“It’s good if things aren’t going to plan in a game to be able to have the option to change on the fly.”
Sydney FC have added five new faces to their 2022-23 squad from the club’s Academy and they’ve impressed the Sky Blues skipper immensely.
“They’re all flying at the moment as they’re fit and have been playing while we have been off,” he said.
“They are bringing a lot of energy to training and pushing us older guys hard which is keeping the standards high.
“I’m sure the plan is to give them the best chance of game time when the season starts and I’m sure they are all capable of that.
“That’s exactly what the Academy is for and the NPL team has been doing well this year.”
Wilkinson was pleased to see his former club Central Coast Mariners come out of the Australia Cup draw last week, and says he’d prefer to play another Isuzu-Ute A-League club at this stage.
“In a way it’s good to get an A-League team as we’ve both had similar preparation times and will be on a level playing field in terms fitness.
“We also always have exciting games against the Mariners and there are always goals!
“We got knocked out in the semi final last year – a bit of a dodgy penalty – so hopefully this time we can exact some revenge to get us through this round.”
The Sky Blues take on the Mariners at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday 31st July in a 4pm kick off. Ticket details to follow soon via Ticketek.
