Sydney FC defender Joel King is positive that the Sky Blues will create the chances which will catapult them into a semi final appearance to vie for a Grand Final slot.
“I think we can be confident that we are always going to create chances,” he said.
“We know that Macarthur are a very good team and we have struggled against them this season but I know that if we turn up and commit to the structure and the game plan then we will have no dramas creating chances and hopefully getting a win and putting us into the semis.”
Ufuk Talay’s squad will have to defeat their Western Sydney competitors in a critical elimination final if they wish to keep their season alive.
An advancement would mark nine semi-finals campaigns since 2005 for the Sky Blues.
The semis will consist of two legs against either Wellington Phoenix or the Central Coast Mariners, but before they get there, Sydney FC will have to prep for their upcoming match.
Not only have they been training hard, but the Harbour City men are shifting their mindset to focus on a high intensity match that awaits them.
“I think the preparation is the same. I think you have to keep it the same but the mindset has to change a little bit – obviously thinking that we have to win and that they [Macarthur] are going to be more energetic and the intensity is going to be huge.”
The 23 year-old has featured in seven A-League finals match-ups, with two of those being a Grand Final. His first was in 2020, just shy of his 20th birthday.
Now a part of the club’s experienced squad, King is excited to see the younger side take to the field to experience their first A-League finals campaign.
“There are still a few boys in the team who have had plenty of finals experience,” he continued.
“It is an advantage for us but also we have got some young boys who are really excited for these opportunities. Hopefully the older boys can lead them on the right path,” he shared.
The Sky Blues will be entering this crucial elimination final on a high after big victory over Perth Glory last weekend. Sydney FC defended their fortress 7-1 after a double from both Joe Lolley and Robert Mak, and goals from Luke Brattan, Jordan Courtney-Perkins and one from King himself, took down their Western Australian opponent.
The Harbour City club’s successful raid gives them the upper hand against Macarthur with back-to-back home games.
“I thought it was a very good game [Perth v Sydney]. Obviously there were a lot of goals scored. That’s always a good sign.
“I thought in the first half we were actually a bit dodgy in some patches but to get the goals at some crucial times of the game was pretty important I think.
“In the end, seven goals, you can’t complain and it gives us a lot of confidence going into the weekend,” King said.
In his 104th appearance in a Sky Blue jersey, King scored his first ever A-League goal against the Central Coast Mariners in the 77th minute. The left-back has gone on to notch his second, and is hoping for his third this weekend.
“I took me a while to get my first goal so to get two in the last couple of weeks is pretty special. I am just trying the best I can to contribute to the team and if that means scoring then I am more than happy to do that but as long as the team is winning I am happy,” he shared.
You can cheer on Joel and the Sydney FC squad this Saturday at Allianz Stadium or via broadcast.
Match Details:
Sydney FC v Macarthur Bulls
Elimination Final, Isuzu UTE A-League
Saturday 4th May 2024
Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Sydney
Kick Off: 7:45pm AEDT
Broadcast: Paramount+ & 10BOLD
Purchase Tickets: here
