Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka has promised Sky Blues fans there will be changes ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Central Coast Mariners after watching his side limp to a disappointing 4-2 loss against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand yesterday.
Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka has promised Sky Blues fans there will be changes ahead of Sunday-s clash with the Central Coast Mariners after watching his side limp to a disappointing 4-2 loss against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand yesterday.
Sydney FC started brightly and took the lead through a Brett Emerton penalty but could not stay with an energetic and desperate Wellington side.
“That performance and the last three games have been disappointing, very disappointing,” Lavicka said. “We will be making some changes. We need to make changes if we are going to pick up three points and give the Sydney FC fans and Members an entertaining performance against the Mariners on Sunday.
“We conceded goals from silly mistakes that we made and we missed chances when we created the chances in attack. It is not the first time I have said this.”
After taking the lead, Sydney FC fell behind before the break but came out after half time with renewed vigour, found an equaliser through Bruno Cazarine and then once again fell into old habits, eventually surrendering 4-2.
Captain Terry McFlynn fronted the media and suggested the players had taken “collective responsibility” for the performance: “As players we know that our performance was not good enough and we take a collective responsibility,” he said when asked about the Sky Blues defensive frailties.
“We play as a team. We defend as a team and we all take collective responsibility for the performance and the result.”
Lavicka will have Nick Carle (returning from injury) and Karol KIsel (returning from suspension) available for selection but the likes of Sebastian Ryall, Rhyan Grant, Scott Jamieson and Ivan Necevski will all come under consideration for a place in the starting side on Sunday.
MATCH DETAILS
Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners
Sydney Football Stadium
Sunday 8 January 2012
4pm kick off
Harbour v Coast this Sun 8 Jan. SFC go up against local rivals the Mariners at 4pm. Get down to the SFS and protect your home turf by cheering on the Sky Blues! Adults from only $20. Tickets are still available from Ticketek.
Fans can also purchase 3-Game Packs for games in the New Year starting from only $50 for adults. Details for the Big Night Out Pack (including Melbourne Victory game) and the Football Funday Packs can be found here on our website.
For more information on the club’s January holiday clinics check out our Community Programs and see Youth Team Head coach Ian Crook-s interview.