Ufuk Talay has admitted that his side may have their backs against the wall but that isn’t going to change the way they head into Saturday’s second leg against the Mariners in Gosford.
They trail 2-1 in the tie and managed to hold on to a one goal deficit despite playing with nine men last week.
With a full house expected in Gosford, the Sky Blues Head Coach is ready for his side to play to their full potential.
“I think it’s going to be a full house so that will be a great spectacle and I think the boys will be up for the challenge,” he said.
“The players know that they are only one match away from a Grand Final and if we can match it with our intensity and attitude that we showed during the season then we can get a positive result.”
The away side will be without Jack Rodwell, Corey Hollman & Joe Lolley for this clash due to suspension and injury. Jake Girdwood-Reich is touch and go following his cork and Fabio has been off this week with illness, but Talay doesn’t see this as an excuse.
“At the end of the day there are things that you can control as a coach and injuries and suspensions are not one of them.
“It’s a little bit like we have our backs against the wall with the injuries and suspensions but this provides the opportunity for other players to step up and enjoy the occasion.
“These things happen and that is why you have a squad and you rely on the depth of that squad and I think we have quality players to come in and step up,” he said.
Ufuk Talay took over with the Sky Blues bottom of the table after three matches and yet to score a goal. They have since risen to 4th on the table, one point off third, scored the most goals in the competition and are now one game away from the Grand Final, the eighth for the club overall and first since 2021.
As he nears this point, he was asked about what he thinks about his achievements so far.
“The accolades should always go to the boys as they are the ones who go out there and do it and execute the game plan.
“They’ve worked very hard to get to this point and they have taken on all the information that we have provided to them and I am very proud of this group and what they have achieved,” Talay said.
“We still have another game for us to get through and then hopefully another week to play in the Grand Final.”
Match Details
Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC
Isuzu UTE A-League Semi Final Second Leg
Saturday 18th May 2024
Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, NSW
Kick Off: 7:45pm AEST
Gates Open: 6:15pm AEST
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Bold
