Sydney FC midfielder Anthony Caceres is loving life at his new home in Sky Blue after making the transition midway through the season, and believes his new side has what it takes to claim another Hyundai A-League title.
The Sky Blues have secured second spot on the table and will head into the finals with a world of confidence after knocking off Premiers Perth Glory last Thursday night at Kogarah 1-0, with Caceres an integral part of the side’s victory.
The 26-year old believes that win, compounded with some strong performances in the AFC Champions League, that Sydney FC are primed for a big run in the finals and the confidence is at an all-time high within the playing group.
“We’ve had a really heavy schedule over the past few weeks and we’ve managed to come out on top in a lot of them apart from a few draws. The wins we have had came against some really good sides so they are even more valuable,” he said.
“Against Perth in particular we put in a really big shift and showed that we are going to be there right deep into the finals and we are more than capable of being successful there.
“Confidence is sky high at the moment but we really have to continue that patch of form into the finals when the pressure is on the most.”
Caceres has been a great addition to the Sydney FC squad and many are saying he is playing the best football of his career, which has included stints at Hyundai A-League rivals Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City.
The midfielder believes that the opportunity he has been afforded to play in such a talented side has really helped his football and credits many of those around him for his own personal performances in recent months.
“After that initial adapting period, I feel I’m now producing some really good performances for Sydney FC in terms of creating chances for the team,” he said.
“I really feel like myself around this team, it has been quite a natural transition and I have to thank the culture and the people at the club for that because I feel this is somewhere I can take my game to the next level.
“Building that partnership with Rhyan Grant has been great for me because he motivates those around him to be better because of the efforts he puts in on the field, and he’s a really top guy off the field as well so that helps our relationship on gameday.”
The Sky Blues will play a home final in a few weeks time after a really strong season, and this will play right into their hands due to the passionate fanbase that the club boasts – led by The Cove who have been instrumental to the club’s success over the past 15 years.
Caceres has loved all the support from the Sydney FC faithful since arriving at the club and knows they are going to turn up and wants to repay the faith they have shown in the next month or so.
“We’ve played at quite a few grounds this year but wherever we go the fans are present and making plenty of noise and getting behind the team which has made me feel really welcome since I arrived personally,” he said.
“The boys are really grateful to the fans of the club for always turning up and supporting and we are going to do our best to repay that with some silverware this year.”
Sydney FC will take on Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium this Saturday night, and then earn themselves a week off before travelling to Ulsan and then a massive home final in their push for a record fourth Hyundai A-League title.
