While considered the Sky Blues hoodoo team by many, Sydney FC central defender Matt Jurman refuses to consider Adelaide United Sydney FC’s bogey opponent.
With a draw and late defeat against the Reds already this season, Jurman said the squad will be out fighting to put a smile on the fans faces at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, as he said victory will be secured as long as the chances created are taken.
“I don’t really think they’re our hoodoo side,” Jurman said.
“We’ve had some bad results against them but we did knock them out of the semi-finals last year and that’s how we got in to the Grand Final.
“Every game we’ve played against them I don’t think we’ve been outplayed at all, they just seem to have this luck about them to get late drama or goals against us.
“It’s going to be tough. They’ve obviously gone on a good run but we still have a chance of making it. We need to fight to the end and give our fans and members some smiles before the end of the season.
“We just need to take our chances when we have good opportunities around their goal. We need to capitalise on our chances and we just need to keep fighting and working hard for each other.
“All the boys give 100%,” he continued.
“We’ve got two games left and there’s still a chance we can make the finals.
“We need our fans out there to support us and hopefully they all come out in numbers [on Saturday] and show their Sky Blue support.”
On a personal level, Jurman has risen to become one of the leading central defenders in the Hyundai A-League this season, and the 26 year old said it’s pleasing how his form has turned around after he missed the bulk of last season through illness.
“Personally I just wanted to take off where I was last year,” he said.
“I’ve got big goals and ambitions and the only way to get to those was to have another big season.
“I worked hard in the preseason and that was the main thing, just mentally trying to focus on each game and be as consistent as I can each game.
“It was awesome to be playing how I am compared to last year,” he continued.
“I haven’t really missed much from the start of preseason this year. It’s been pleasing, I’ve had a bit more luck this year with injuries and sickness and I’m just happy to be on the field every day and enjoying playing with the boys.”
Sydney FC take on Adelaide United on Saturday night at Allianz Stadium (kick off 7:30pm). Catch the game live on Fox Sport 4, listen live on ABC Grandstand or follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for updates.
