Ufuk Talay having pulled on the Sky Blue in his playing days knows how much the Sydney Derby means to the supporters.
While he didn’t play in a Sydney Derby as the Wanderers weren’t founded until 2012, he is under no illusions of the meaning behind this fixture.
“The Derby is not just about us, it’s not just about the players it’s about the club and the fans.
“What we want to do is entertain the fans as the Derby is about a pride thing as well,” Talay said.
“When your team wins the derby it is a great week for all the supporters that come out there and back us.
“These are the games that you want to be involved in as a player and a coach and also for the supporters to be out there as they’re the ones that create the atmosphere for us.”
This week in the squad news, Luke Brattan was ruled out through suspension but Jack Rodwell was named as a possible option after he has overcome his calf injury.
Heading into this clash having been forced to reshuffle his pack, Talay has kept his cards close to his chest as to his plans of attack.
“Bratts [Brattan] has been great for us but injuries and suspensions provide opportunities for other players to come in and we’ve an idea about what to do and hopefully you’ll see that on Saturday.
“Jack [Rodwell] is available for this weekend and has done modified training during the week and we’re looking forward with Jack and how we can use him and utilise him maybe not this weekend but the weekend after,” he added.
Last weekend against Melbourne City, the Sky Blues failed to capitalise on their early dominance and were punished later by Marco Tilio on the counter attack.
With the intensity of a derby, Talay is expecting the first 15/20 minutes to be fast and furious and knows the chances could fall his sides’ way.
“The main thing is that we are getting into those areas and being efficient and entering the opponents box and that is something that we still need to do this weekend.
“The more we create those moments, the more opportunities we have to score goals.
“The first 15/20 minutes will be hectic and once the game settles down it is very important that we do what we want to do with the ball ad play through the lines and be aggressive without the ball.
“I’m excited. I’m looking forward to the challenge and looking forward to the atmosphere,” Talay concluded.
It promises to be a thrilling contest when the 37th Sydney Derby gets underway on Saturday night.
Match Details
Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC
Isuzu UTE A-League Round 19
Saturday 2nd March 2024
CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, NSW
Kick Off: 7:45pm AEDT
Gates Open: 4:45pm AEDT
Tickets: Click Here
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Bold
