Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold has called for a positive reaction from his squad after last week’s defeat to Perth Glory, as he prepares to contest the third Sydney Derby of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Saturday.
Arnold said there would be minimal changes to the squad as he said he’s unsure as to why the Sky Blues hold such a positive record over the Wanderers, having not lost in six matches against their cross-town rivals.
“I’m looking for a reaction from our boys, I’ve not been more disappointed in any of our performances in the year and a half I’ve been at this club than last week,” Arnold said.
“I was really down about it, I’ve been in here every day at 6:30-7 o’clock and been going home at 6 o’clock this week and working harder and harder than I probably ever have.
“I’ve not gone through a period in my coaching career of losing three in four, the only way out of it is hard work.
“Overall it’s a team sport, it’s a squad of 23 plus and all the staff, and it’s my job to get the best out of people.
“I’m looking for revenge from last week so there won’t be too many changes.
“I don’t know why [I have such a good record against Popovic]. Whether it’s their desperation to beat us, it puts the extra pressure on them, more nerves,” he continued.
“It [the record] is just one of those things, it happens and you can’t answer why.”
With the Derby confirmed as a sell out for the fifth consecutive time at Allianz Stadium, Arnold praised the Sky Blues fans for the spectacle they bring to the game as he said the sell-out was an indication of the interest football garners in the country.
“Sydney FC fans have always set the standard in the league,” Arnold said.
“There have never been any hassles with the Cove. They led the supporters groups from day one, the Cove started that across the A-League, and it continues.
“Their support last week for us, even though we had a bad game was outstanding.
“It’s going to be fantastic spectacle,” he continued.
“The fact it’s sold out, 40,000 people, the NRL is probably looking at us envious this week. They start next week and I’m pretty sure they’d like to have a 44,000 at their first game at Allianz, but it shows how things are overall and that there’s lot of interest.”
Sydney FC take on the Western Sydney Wanderers in the third Sydney Derby of the Hyundai A-League season on Saturday (kick off 7:30pm). Catch the match live on Fox Sports 4, listen live on ABC Grandstand or follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for updates.
