This Saturday, Sydney FC lock horns with their Sydney neighbours Macarthur FC in what is a crucial clash for both team’s finals hopes.
A win will catapult the victor into the top 3 while the loser will have ground to catch up and with more AFC Champions League Two games coming up including a trip to Korea, the Sky Blues will need to focus on getting points in the match ahead of the travel.
Head Coach Ufuk Talay says the boy’s are in good spirits after the ACL result and a positive result in Perth with all the travel involved.
“We didn’t get the win that we wanted, but you know, walking away with the point is still a positive.
“The boys know where we’re sitting and where we want to get to, and then I think they understand the importance of the game.”
Ahead of this weekend’s fixture, Macarthur looks a lot different than the last time they faced them. Four players will be away with the Young Socceroos and their Captain Valère Germain has been sold overseas along with young gun Jed Drew.
However, Talay doesn’t approach at this match any differently, despite the altered squad.
“Look at it both ways, when we have players missing through injury or suspension, new opportunities arise for other players.
“That’s no different at Macarthur now for those players to step up and cement their position within their team.”
The Sky Blues are focused on Saturday’s match, taking it one game at a time despite the exciting clash with Jeonbuk lingering on the horizon.
“I think the boys have done a fantastic job thus far, and you know, we’ve got a very good opponent that we’re gonna play in Jeonbuk.
“Like I said, the preparation is for Macarthur and then we’ll prepare for the game after that,” Talay said.
Historically this game has had red cards and drama. Keeping the heads in the game will be a key factor in Saturday’s clash with Macarthur being reduced to nine players in the last match at Campbelltown Stadium.
“For us we have to stay in control of our thoughts, our feelings, and our emotions within the game and try to win and get all three points.”
