After managing the Central Coast Mariners for three years, Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold has declared he knows the ins and outs of the Gosford club ahead of their visit to Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon (kick off 5pm).
While he’s facing his former club, Arnold said he’d treat this match like any other as he issued a warning to his players not to take the match lightly after the Mariners one win and one draw start to the season.
“I know how Mossy thinks,” Arnold said.
“I already know their starting line-up and I already know their system so he’s got no secrets.
“We don’t change anything at all. My style is quite different to Phil’s, he’s built his own team now and as I said, it’s a normal game,” he continued.
“I do know though, and I put the boys on warning here, any team that has in their starting line-up Nick Montgomery, Zac Anderson, Josh Rose, John Hutchinson and Mitchell Duke, they’re a threat.”
Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Phil Moss is a former understudy of Arnolds, and while they’re friends off the pitch Graham Arnold stressed that the friendship will be expunged for the 90 minutes their two teams clash at Moore Park.
“There will be no emotion at all,” he said.
“It’s just another game and for me we’re going for 3 points on Sunday. Obviously I had a great three years there and I have a lot of respect for their fans but it’s just another game this weekend and I’m looking forward to it.
“We’re good friends but for this weekend it’s about us getting 3 points.”
Arnold also confirmed that he has a full squad to select from with only the one absentee.
“Apart from Matty Jurman we’ve got a full quota,” he said.
“Smeltzy is back, we had to take our time with him because he came off a tough year last year. He’s a great option to have now to select for the game on the weekend.
“He’s match fit, he’s looking very good.”
Sydney FC host the Coast this Sunday afternoon at Allianz Stadium (kick off 5pm). Make it a family fun day out at Allianz with mini clinics, jumping castle, speedshot and photobooth all on offer. Purchase tickets today or become a Member and ensure you don’t miss a moment of action.
GET YOUR MEMBERSHIP NOW! – Get in quick and make sure you don’t miss a moment of Sky Blues action this 2014/15 Hyundai A-League season by purchasing your Sydney FC Membership now. Enjoy a seat at every home match and free public transport to the games. Sign up to our Newsletter now to keep up to date with all the clubs happenings.
