Sydney FC Head Coach Steve Corica is relishing the opportunity to lift a trophy at Allianz Stadium for the first time since being part of the coaching staff that won the FFA Cup in 2017.
As a Head Coach, the FFA Cup/Australia Cup has eluded him and will complete his set of trophies as the Sky Blues’ boss.
Come Saturday, only Brisbane Roar stand in he and his sides’ way from achieving that goal.
“This early in the season, the chance to lift a trophy would be amazing.
“But it’s just one step at a time and we need to make sure we do our job,” Corica said.
“Defensively we need to work extremely hard but with the ball we have a lot of quality and we want our players to show that quality and enjoy the game.”
He has also been impressed with the form that his side have shown across the competition.
“We’ve played a few A-League teams along the way which has been a positive for us with high intensity games that you can’t recreate in a pre-season friendly.
“The fitness is looking good from the boys and each game is getting tougher and we would love to go into the start of the league season with a trophy,” he added.
“It all comes down to one game and we need to make the most of every opportunity that we get.”
And Steve Corica plans to use the home crowd to their advantage with Allianz Stadium set to host the 2023 decider.
“Playing at home is nice as well. We’ve played in three cup finals and only one of them was at home so it will be great to have our home crowd behind us.
“It’s looking like a good crowd as well and it will be nice to have them behind us. It really helps the boys,” the Head Coach said.
“They are our 12th man and when times are tough and they are loud, it does help the players.
“Hopefully we have a good game and put a good performance on for them and get the Cup.”
And he has provided a hint as to whether we will see some home debuts to Sydney FC’s new signings.
“You saw all three against Melbourne City and now they are a couple more weeks down the track so they are settling in nicely.
“I think we are probably going to see them all as they are improving their fitness and starting to get used to the way we want to play which is a great sign.
“Pat Wood has been doing a great job up front and having that competitiveness at training keeps him on his toes and keeps the intensity high,” Corica said.
With Brisbane Roar now playing under new boss Ross Aloisi, Steve Corica has been impressed with what they have done so far this competition.
“They played a very good game against Wanderers and then came through Melbourne Knights but have played some good teams along the way.
“They’ve got some experienced players with Aldred and O’Shea and they have Waddingham up front who has been scoring goals and is dangerous,” he said.
“They have played a different style this season under Ross, very aggressive with their pressing, quick with the ball and in transition so it will be a good test for us and we are looking forward to it.”
Match Details
Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
Australia Cup Final
Saturday 7th October 2023
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 7:45pm AEDT
Gates Open: 6:15pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Channel 10 & 10Play
Tickets: Click Here
