Sydney FC striker Jaiden Kucharski speaks ahead of the Sky Blues crucial trip to Western United on Sunday knowing two wins in their final two matches could catapult them into a 3rd place regular season finish.
Ufuk Talay’s Men have lost just two games in their last 15 matches since Australia Day and play after all their main rivals this weekend so will know what they need to do before the game.
Q: Jaiden, how are you feeling heading into this one?
Yeah, feeling positive. Obviously Wednesday’s AFC Champions League result wasn’t what we wanted, but I thought we turned things around really well on the weekend. Coming from 2-0 down to get the win was huge for us, and now we’re raring to go and finish strong to make finals.
Q: As disappointing as the ACL exit was, does it now clear the path to fully focus on the league?
Yeah, definitely. I think we had five games in 15 days, so now having one game a week gives us time to focus and recover. It’s actually kind of helpful to just be concentrating on the league now, and hopefully we can turn that into a finals appearance and something bigger from the season.
Q: Is there a sense of refreshment or renewed determination in the group?
Yeah, big pressure comes with these big games—but I think we always rise to the challenge. We’re excited for this one. The whole group is ready to go.
Q: The draw’s been interesting. All the top teams seem to be playing each other. Are you excited by that or would you prefer a quieter finish?
It’s definitely exciting. Sometimes the lower teams can be hard to break down because they sit back, whereas the top sides all go for it. Western are still chasing the Premiership, so they’ll be coming hard. There’s a lot to play for.
Q: It’s Sydney FC’s first trip to Tarneit. What are you expecting?
From what I’ve seen, it looks like a small stadium without too much around it, but Western play well there. I’m expecting a good surface—there’s no rugby on it, which helps. Maybe the wind could play a part, but we’re looking forward to it. First time down there, so hopefully we start our history there with a win.
Q: You’re back amongst the goals—must feel good?
Yeah, definitely. Feels like a bit of a monkey off the back. It’s been a while, so I’m really happy to get one in. I had a couple of good chances, so to finally take one was a relief.
Q: What’s going on with you and Adrian Segecic—are you running out of rehearsed goal celebrations?
Haha, maybe! I think it’s just that we haven’t been on the pitch at the same time as much lately. Earlier in the season we were subbing on together more, so we could tee up those celebrations. Hopefully we’re out there together again soon.
Q: He’s on a great run—10 goals in 10 games. Do you look at that and think, “I’ve got to match that”?
For sure. He’s chasing the Golden Boot now, so I’d be happy if I can score a couple and help out. But I’m stoked for him—he’s flying.
Q: Backing him in for the Golden Boot?
Absolutely. He’s in great form, scoring for fun. If he gets a chance on the weekend, I back him to put it away again.
Q: Looking at the table—City seem clear but Macarthur and Adelaide are close. Do you still feel confident of making the finals?
Yeah, we said it a few weeks ago—it’s in our hands. If we win games, we’re in. That’s all we’re focused on this weekend.
Q: Will you watch the other key matches like Macarthur’s game?
I think they play Saturday night and we’re on Sunday, so we’ll definitely be aware of the result. It might change things slightly, but regardless, we’re just preparing to win our game.
Q: Has Ufuk Talay or the group talked about how to still get something meaningful out of this season?
Not in a big meeting or anything, but the message is clear—Champions League didn’t go our way, so now it’s all about making something of the A-League season. Finals are still there for us.
Q: What do you make of Adelaide—despite some form dips, they’ve still got firepower?
Yeah, they’ve maybe had a few off games, but overall they’ve been strong all year. They’ve already qualified for finals and are still pushing for a high finish, so we can’t underestimate them.
Q: Sydney FC’s only lost twice in the last 15 games. Do you consider yourselves one of the form teams?
Definitely. Like you said—just two losses in 15. A few draws in there, a few strong wins. We’re scoring plenty and creating chances. It’s good momentum heading into finals.
Q: The last time you played Western United it was 4-3 at Allianz—expecting another goal-fest?
Hopefully not! I’d prefer a 1-0 or 2-0 clean sheet. But if it turns into another high-scoring one, we’ll be ready for that too.
Q: You’re still in the mix for a home final. Is that the target now?
Yeah, 100%. If we win both games and results go our way, we can finish third or fourth. With Victory, Wanderers, City all in the mix and playing each other, anything can happen. We’ve just got to win both and see where we land.
Q: And for you personally—starting last week, getting the winner—what’s the hunger like to start again?
It’s massive. When you’re coming off the bench, you just want to make an impact. To start and then score like that—it’s a great feeling. I want to keep creating, keep scoring, and help the team however I can. Hopefully I get the chance again this weekend.
