Australian football has a reputation for its physical nature and as Sydney FC’s Korean import, Sung Hwan Byun is finding out, it’s well deserved.
Australian football has a reputation for its physical nature and as Sydney FC-s Korean import, Sung Hwan Byun is finding out, it-s well deserved.
The 29-year old has enjoyed a successful start to his Hyundai A-League career with Sydney and is quickly establishing himself as an important part of Coach Vitezslav Lavicka-s side, but the former K-League defender freely admits that making the adjustment to the weekly rough-and-tumble of the competition is a challenge.
“K-League and A-League (are) similar level but different style of football. K-League is very technical, A-League is strong, strong football – very hard and high level of fitness,” explained Byun.
“I am adapting to (the) physical game. There have been tackles (where) I have expect the referee to call a foul, but no foul. I am working hard to get stronger.”
The former Korean youth international is very happy with his role at Sydney FC and says the side-s attacking style is well suited to his own game.
“My style is to attack and my role with Sydney is very similar to with my last team in Korea,” he said. “Early in my career I was an attacking player then I moved to defence when I became professional.”
“I think our team (Sydney FC) will have good season. We have good start already in first two games and must build on that. It is important to improve each week.”
After securing the maximum six points from their opening two matches the Sky Blues will attempt to make it three in a row when they travel to take on the Central Coast Mariners at Gosford this weekend.
The Mariners are also undefeated, starting their campaign with a win and a draw, and the match is shaping up as another tight tussle between the two fierce rivals. The round-three contest kicks-off at Bluetongue Stadium at 3pm on Saturday afternoon.
