Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka warned his charges that their convincing victory against Perth last weekend was just the first step on the path to turning their season around, as the Blues prepare to take on a Brisbane side he believes is playing the best football in the A-League this year.
Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka warned his charges that their convincing victory against Perth last weekend was just the first step on the path to turning their season around, as the Blues prepare to take on a Brisbane side he believes is playing the best football in the A-League this year.
“Straight after the win in Perth I told the team we need small steps forward. The win was a small step but very important because after the win we picked up more confidence. We still have very good quality players in this squad who are able to play good football this season,” he said during training at the Sydney Football Stadium on Thursday.
“In Perth it was the first time we scored three goals away and the first time we scored three goals in any game since round one, so I told the boys ‘I appreciate your performance but it’s only a small step forward, we need to keep going and work hard’.”
Indeed the Blues will have their work cut out for them against Ange Postecoglou’s second-placed Roar, whose sole defeat this season has come at the feet of Melbourne Victory.
“(Brisbane) have a lot of mobility, they change the team and they are playing very good football. We had a video session before training today so our players know they can expect a tough game. They played a different style last season but Ange changed many things over there, full credit as they are playing good football, but we also picked up confidence in Perth after winning so we are excited for this Saturday’s game.”
Lavicka praised the performance of his side in Perth, particularly Brazilian striker Bruno Cazarine who doubled his goal tally with a brace on Sunday, before hinting that the fresh formation and lineup he opted for last weekend may continue this Saturday.
“We improved a lot of things, every player on the pitch gave a maximum effort. We changed several things before the game in Perth and we were successful, but we will see if we keep the same system or change it for this game. We still have another two days so we will talk about if after our tactics session today.”
Lavicka revealed that Sydney playmaker Nicky Carle was in doubt for the clash against the Roar, but that skipper Terry McFlynn would likely start despite a niggling calf injury sustained away in Perth.
“Tezza is a soldier, he is a hard worker. He needs some extra treatment for recovery but he will be available. Nicky is a very good player but unlucky for him he is fighting with many injuries this season, but he is doing 100% to be ready as are the Sydney FC medical staff, we will make a decision tomorrow.”
Immediately after Thursday’s training session Lavicka had a date with destiny as he prepared to fulfil his promise of climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge following the Blues’ first win of the season. The only question now is – should the Blues pull of an upset against the in-form Brisbane Roar, would a skydive be on the cards for the coach who is afraid of heights?
“No, no, climbing the bridge will be enough for me!”
Sydney FC take on Brisbane Roar at 5.15pm this Saturday at the Sydney Football Stadium in a special double header program that will see Central Coast Mariners play Perth Glory at 7.30pm.
