Sydney FC defender Shannon Cole says the club will be looking to put an end to two streaks on Saturday night when they travel to New Zealand to take on Wellington Phoenix, who boast an impressive undefeated run at Westpac Stadium.
Sydney FC defender Shannon Cole says the club will be looking to put an end to two streaks on Saturday night when they travel to New Zealand to take on Wellington Phoenix, who boast an impressive undefeated run at Westpac Stadium.
Sydney will be looking to end a streak of their own as well this weekend, having now gone five games without a win.
Last year Sydney traversed the Tasman and came away victorious at FMG Stadium in Palmerston North, which allowed Phoenix-s now 21-game undefeated record at Westpac Stadium to remain intact.
“Those kind of streaks have to come to an end at some point. It-s our job and our task in front of us to make it happen this week,” Cole said during training at Macquarie University, a day before the team flies out to New Zealand.
“They are a good team, strong at home and organised all the time. It-s a big challenge for us and no game is easy in this league,” he said.
Sydney will be without Alex Brosque and captain Terry McFlynn again this week, but new Brazilian import Bruno Cazarine will likely take the field again after making his debut in the 3-1 loss against Adelaide at the SFS last Saturday.
“Last week we were outplayed and pretty much outworked throughout by Adelaide,” Cole said.
“Despite how grim things are looking, everyone is really positive and the work rate has been really high. Training has been very good, really intense, the boys have really stepped it up this week and it-s been high quality.”
Cole is adamant that injuries, and comings and goings of players are part and parcel of football, and the Blues must get on with the job with the hands they have on board, without reminiscing last season-s glory.
“It-s the sixth week now so we can-t think about the past. The players who left in the off-season have moved on and that-s part of football, we have to deal with it.”
“All we-re focussing on right now is the players that are available and the team that-s going to step on the park this week.”
Sydney FC kick off against Wellington Phoenix this Saturday at 17.15 AEST.
