Sydney FC’s Al-Hassan Toure has backed his side to handle whatever Western Sydney Wanderers throw at them ahead of this Saturday night’s Sydney Derby at CommBank Stadium.
The 25-year old, who earned his first international appearance for the Socceroos last year, returned to the starting side for the first time away to Brisbane Roar last week following a mid-season injury lay-off.
“Anyway they come, we have a solution,” he said.
“If it comes down to it being a scrappy game, we’re prepared for that.
“I don’t really like to focus on the other team. We can only control what we control, and if they come out good, we have to match that fight and the desire.
“We want to press high. We want to enjoy the ball in the final third. We want to score goals,” he continued.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s the semi-final or final or just another league game. We are gonna always try to give 100%, and that’s what the new coach has instilled in us.”
The winger, who returned to the A-League in 2025 following overseas stints in Turkey, France and the USA, admitted the team is eager to impress their new coach.
“To get the win will be good for both him and the club, and that’s what we’re trying to do on the weekend,” the winger commented.
“He’s talked to all the players with his expectations for every session and every game.
“We expect to play well every game. We don’t need it to be a derby. We don’t need it to be a final to showcase that.
“Every game, we’re trying to improve, and we’re gonna go out there starting the game as well as possible.”
Ahead of their derby and final three games, the only thing on the Sky Blues’ mind is Finals football.
“Everyone knows that if you’re playing for Sydney FC, you want to be fighting for titles.
“We have a couple of games left, and we want to try everything possible to win the last few games so we can secure Asian football and a Finals spot.
“If you want to win games, everyone has to step up. And I feel like this is a perfect opportunity to step up, because not only is it a derby, but it’s one of those games where we’re sitting, we need the wins.”
Sydney FC will travel to Parramatta this Saturday for their Sydney Derby clash against the Wanderers, kick-off at 7:35pm.
