Ante Juric has learned the path that he and his girls are going to need to take if they want to replicate last season’s Premiership and Championship double.
The Head Coach joined Sydney FC six years ago and has provided a formidable record since then, lifting the Premiers Plate in the previous three seasons.
More than ever though, he just can’t wait to get into it.
“We had a really successful year so I just want to get back into it.
“Off the back of the Women’s World Cup has made me ever more keen to come back and get started at Sydney FC,” Juric said.
And the coach won’t need to wait long for the intensity to come with a Sydney Derby to open the season at Allianz Stadium.
“We’re always up for that game and it’s huge for the fans as well.
“Allianz has become a special place for us and it will be great to play Wanderers for the players, staff and most importantly the fans,” he added.
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This year, for the very first time, the Liberty A-League will expand to 12 teams and with that, a 22 round competition, matching the WSL and NWSL in England and the USA respectively. This has almost doubled the amount of matches played over the last three seasons and will bring with it, added challenges for the players.
“I’ve been around football for a bit now so I hopefully will know when to push and when not to, but it will be very interesting from the Girls, point of view.
“This is a big positive and a big plus for the game and something that is probably well overdue,” the 49-year-old said.
“I’m looking forward to playing everyone twice and also playing the new team, the Central Coast Mariners.”
Backing up as Champions is always a tough task and Ante Juric believes his side are capable of doing just that.
“I don’t focus on anyone else, I just worry about us. We just need to keep the same drive which will be tough.
“We don’t have the same team. There’s quite a few new faces and it’s a new team and a new journey for these girls. If we get everything we can out of them, then I will be happy,” Juric added.
“We’ve signed some good players, young players too that the fans may not know about but hopefully in time they become the new Macka’s [Mackenzie Hawkesby] and Hunters [Sarah Hunter].
“It will take time with the way we play but I’m sure the returning players will help find that groove,” he said.
Most of all though, the Championship winning coach can’t wait to get back to seeing his team.
“I miss the girls.
“I miss competing with them and the journey we have together.
“Sydney FC is a big part of me and hopefully people are looking forward to it again and hopefully we can go again and do as good as we did last year,” Juric concluded.
Ante Juric’s side open the season against the Western Sydney Wanderers on the 14th of October. Grab your Memberships now to get access to every game from just $11 per game. Click Here for more.
