It was a disappointing result for his previously undefeated side, but Sydney FC coach John Kosmina believes Sunday’s upset defeat at the hands of the Wellington Phoenix is an outcome that will help his team in the long-run.
It was a disappointing result for his previously undefeated side, but Sydney FC coach John Kosmina believes Sunday-s upset defeat at the hands of the Wellington Phoenix is an outcome that will help his team in the long-run.
“We-ll be better off for having that loss,” he said after returning home. “You need to have battles week in week out to become battle hardened and we haven-t got to that stage yet, last week would have taught us a lesson in that regard.”
Sydney looked the better side for long periods of the Hyundai A-League clash with the Kiwis but couldn-t put the result beyond reach and paid the price in the closing stages.
“We played well,” the coach explained. “(But) we-ve got to make sure that we maintain concentration and focus for a bit longer than we did on the weekend. We get a lead we-ve got to go on with it.”
Prior to the trip across the Tasman the Sky Blues were cruising along at the top of the table, and while Melbourne-s round six defeat has ensured they still retain a share of the competition lead, the team knows it-ll need to lift this Saturday against a visiting Roar side full of confidence after downing the Victory.
“Queensland will be a tough game, they-re a running side, they-re the quickest side all over the park in the league,” said Kosmina.
“We-re back at home, we-re comfortable here, so it-s just another week where we have to go and try and play good football.”
Sydney FC will be out to bounce back when it plays host to the Queensland Roar at the SFS this Saturday, with kick-off following the National Youth League fixture at 7pm.
