Coming into this weekend’s match, the destination of the Premiers Plate is in Sydney FC’s hands and if they win two of their remaining three matches they will be crowned Premiers for a record fourth season in a row.
The Sky Blues have peaked at the right time of the year and only reached the summit for the first time this season since Round 1 and have had to deal with major injuries, international travel and a changed squad.
Looking back on what this season has provided, Head Coach Ante Juric has claimed that in his many years of coaching Sydney FC, nothing comes close to this one.
“This is the hardest year it’s been in terms of coaching so to be up there at the end of the year I’m super super proud.
“To have so many changes from last year’s team, to go to Uzbekistan, to have injuries early on, it’s the toughest season in terms of coaching and our staff have done a super job,” he said.
“Our players have done a super job and where we are right now, we are very happy but the job isn’t done yet.”
This Sunday one step to gaining another Premiership is against Adelaide United.
The Reds are winless in their last five matches and are coming off the back of a mid-week clash against the Phoenix in New Zealand in which they were humbled 4-0.
With all the odds stacked in the Sky Blues favour, Juric has been around the league long enough to know that you cannot take any game for granted.
“I expect the same from every club who plays us and that it is their grand final and their biggest game of the year.
“They’ve still got a lot to prove in terms of contracts for next year so it is going to be a tough game for sure.
“We can’t take anything for granted and like I said, people play their best football against us,” Juric added.
After a month absent, the Young Matildas make their return to the squad this weekend and are available for selection.
With the removal of six players for an extended period of time, three of which were in the starting XI before they left, most clubs would struggle to find the depth and maintain competitiveness.
Not for Juric and Sydney FC though. They have managed to find a way to navigate this tricky situation and find themselves winning each of their last three matches. The secret Juric revealed was the mentality of the squad.
“We’ve got a culture and a team that understands if someone goes out then you’ve got someone to refill that spot.
“At training, the intensity is always high and the quality is always high,” he said.
“It’s just a matter of doing the effort, doing the right things that we trained for and have trained for the whole year in terms of pattern and shape.”
Catch Ante Juric and his side in action on Sunday afternoon at Leichhardt Oval as they hunt down their piece of A-Leagues history.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Adelaide United
Liberty A-League Round 21
Sunday 24th March 2024
Leichhardt Oval, Leichhardt, NSW
Kick Off: 4:00pm AEDT
Gates Open: 3:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Play
Tickets: Click Here
Matchday Partner: Bulova
