Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay says the Australia Day Big Blue against Melbourne Victory marks the beginning of a defining period in the Sky Blues’ season, with consistency and squad depth key as the fixtures begin to stack up.
With six matches in 27 days, Talay knows the coming month will shape Sydney FC’s aspirations.
“The next six weeks are going to be massive for us,” Talay said.
“Hopefully we can get some boys back and put ourselves in good stead with the amount of games we have — especially at home.”
“But it starts with a great game on Australia Day, away to Victory, and we’re really looking forward to the challenge.”
A tight race and a need for consistency
With just four points separating the top six, Talay acknowledged the importance of turning strong performances into results.
“We need to build that consistency,” he said.
“We had a really positive performance away from home against Wellington, stats-wise we were good, but the result wasn’t.”
“We need to turn that around, and it starts on Monday against Melbourne.”
Injuries have played a role in disrupting rhythm, but Talay remains focused on what his side can control.
“It doesn’t help in a big period like this when you’re missing key players,” he said.
“But the boys have done well and we just need to focus on what we can do and how we can do it.”
Injury updates and squad management
Talay confirmed Joe Lolley is edging closer to a return, with a cautious approach being taken.
“Joe’s been in and out of certain things this week,” he said.
“Hopefully he’ll be available for either the Wanderers game or Auckland, but we need him 100 per cent mentally and physically.”
“We don’t want him to break again and be out for another four to six weeks.”
Talay also provided updates on Al-Hassan Toure, Abel Walatee and Marcel Tisserand, emphasising the importance of load management during a congested schedule.
“Al’s had a calf injury in the past and that is a delicate area as he uses that to take off and he is such an explosive player so we want to make sure we get him 100% right before we bring him back into the team.
“Abel has a bit of groin tightness and having an up and down pre-season hasn’t helped so we have had to give him a rest because of his osteitis pubis and with that rest he can come back good.”
“We’re hoping to push Marcel a little bit more in this game,” he said.
“While Marcel has been playing he has been playing through a stress fracture in his foot so we have had to manage his week and he has been doing a lot of work on the alta g treadmill while made him available to play the game which hampered his conditioning during the following week.
“He is training every day with the group now and that will in turn allow us to push him in the game too.
“This is a big game and we want our experienced players on the park.”
Opportunities for others
With Rhys Youlley unavailable, Talay says the door opens for others to step up.
“We’ve got Corey [Hollman] and Wataru [Kamijo] who can play in that space,” he said.
“The opportunity is there for whoever we select to come in, do a great job and retain their position.”
Talay highlighted Sydney FC’s commitment to youth, with an average bench age of 19 last weekend.
“It’s part of the strategy of the club,” he said.
“These moments provide opportunities for players and at times help build careers.”
Transfer window and attacking depth
Talay confirmed the club is actively exploring options to strengthen the squad during the transfer window.
“It’s a work in progress,” he said.
“We’re looking to bring in a number nine to complement Victor — someone with an eye for goal.”
“We are OK budget wise, it’s just about finding the right player.”
Despite the focus on reinforcements, Talay expressed satisfaction with the output of Victor [Campuzano] and Piero [Quispe] so far.
“I’ve been very pleased with what they’ve produced,” he said.
“The energy they give us with and without the ball has been good.”
Ready for the Big Blue challenge
Expecting a high-intensity encounter, Talay knows Victory will pose a serious threat despite recent results.
“The first 10–15 minutes of a Big Blue are always chaotic,” he said.
“They’re still a very good side with players that can hurt you.”
“We need to go there with a great game plan and make sure we execute it.”
Match Details
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Isuzu UTE A-League Round 14
Monday 26th January 2026
AAMI Park, Melbourne, VIC
Kick Off: 5:40pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
