Always seen as a leader on the field, Sydney FC defender Jacques Faty had that status confirmed on Thursday as Head Coach Graham Arnold announced the Senegalese international as one of his Vice Captains for Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season.
Embarking on only his first full season as a Sky Blue, Faty said he was shocked at the announcement made in front of over 600 guests at the Sydney FC in Business Lunch as he vowed to lead the Sky Blues one better than last year.
“When the coach told me this afternoon, I didn’t know I was Vice-Captain,” he said.
“It’s a big surprise and honour to be the Vice-Captain so I hope I will lead my team like I did last season but maybe better.
“It’s my objective to be better than last season, less injuries and hopefully we win the trophy,” he continued.
“That’s why I re-signed this year, because I was very sad to lose against Melbourne Victory.
“I think this year we have a better team and that’s why I really wanted to come, participate and play again against the Victory and hopefully win this game because that’s my objective.”
Faty said he hoped to mentor the younger players in the squad with his new role as he targeted performing at double the capacity that he did during the close of the 2014/15 season.
“I think all the players, all the experienced players we need to teach them [young players] how to play,” he said.
“They’re young and they need to learn how to play and they are very good. My objective is to lead them and explain to them how to play better football.
“[I want to perform] maybe 2 times better than last year because last year I came in December and January, I was not very fit,” he continued.
“This season I’ve had good preparation with the coaching staff so I feel very good in my body and I really want to show what I can do.”
Sydney FC kick off the season at home against Melbourne City FC on Saturday 10 October (kick off 7:30pm). Be at Allianz Stadium and cheer on the Sky Blues in their opening game of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season.
Sydney FC Memberships are now on sale for the 2015/16 season. Click HERE to become part of the Sky Blues family
