Ahead of the trip to New Zealand to take on Max Burgess’ former side, the midfielder has lamented the form that the Sky Blues have been in lately.
Boasting an eight game un-beaten run, Sydney FC are beginning to build a late challenge for the Premiers Plate and Burgess believes that his side are starting to show that resilience especially after playing 70 minutes a man light on Sunday afternoon.
“We’ve been talking all year about being a resilient side and that’s the third time this season that we have gone down to ten, and the second that we got a point out of the game.
“That is a bit of a statement and now we are eight unbeaten which is really important for us,” he said.
“The details that we are putting in at training and the drills we do is paying off and we’re just building that consistency and it has been great and I can see how we’re reaping the rewards by turning the ball over in their half and taking advantage.”
Burgess had an impressive match against the Wanderers a week prior but was unlucky to be taken off following the red card to Jake Girdwood-Reich which allowed Ufuk Talay to bring on an extra defender in Gabriel Lacerda.
The 29-year-old previously applied his trade at the Phoenix and will come up against them in Auckland before the arrival of the new Auckland FC side to the competition next season.
And heading into this clash, the Sky Blues will have three matches out of their remaining seven against teams currently above them in the table and three points against the Phoenix on Saturday could start their late ascension up the table.
There’s a lot of belief in this squad with lots of experience and a good blend of youth and maturity.
“The message has always been firstly focusing on the performance and letting the outcome take care of itself.
“We’re building momentum at the right time of the year and it’s pretty special to be a part of,” Burgess concluded.
Sydney FC will fly to Auckland on Friday and take on Wellington on Saturday afternoon in the final match before the international break.
Match Details
Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC
Isuzu UTE A-League Round 21
Saturday 16th March 2024
Eden Park, Auckland, NZ
Kick Off: 3:30pm AEDT (5:30pm Local)
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
