Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay has labelled tonight’s clash with Auckland FC at Leichhardt Oval as one of the defining fixtures of the Sky Blues’ season.
With the ladder tightening and a game in hand to play, Talay made it clear the equation is simple: perform well, collect three points, and stay within touching distance of the competition leaders.
“It’s a massive game for us,” Talay said.
“It’s the game in hand that we have, and it’s very important that we pick up all three points at home and stay close to the guys above us.”
Recovery and squad update
Following the weekend’s match, Talay reported the squad has pulled up well.
“Just a couple of little niggles, but the boys have recovered well,” he said.
“We had a recovery session for the ones who played big minutes, and the others had some work to do. Today will be lighter in preparation for one of our biggest games of the season.”
There was positive news on the injury front, with Al Hassan Toure back in contention.
“Al’s available for selection. He’s done a lot of work and was pushed hard over the weekend. He’s still limited with minutes but he’s in the squad.”
Abel Walatee is targeting a return against Brisbane later this week, while Tiago’s weekend issue was confirmed as cramp.
“He cramped up late in the game. We didn’t want to take any risks.”
Talay also confirmed the squad is nearing full strength at a crucial stage of the campaign.
“We’re getting to the business end of the season. Having players available gives us depth to change and influence games.”
Learning from the last meeting
The Sky Blues faced Auckland just over a week ago when they fell to a 1-0 defeat, and Talay expects a similar approach from the visitors.
“They’ll play the same game. They’re hardworking, they grind, they fight. Under pressure they go direct, they’ve got big players up top, they play for second balls and they load the box on set pieces.”
Talay stressed that matching Auckland’s intensity will be non-negotiable.
“We need to challenge for every ball and win those second balls. Those moments become very influential — whether we go the other way or have to defend again.”
He also believes Sydney created enough in their previous outing to take more from the contest.
“We created enough to win that game. But if you don’t take your moments, you concede. I don’t think it was a game where they played straight through us — that’s the disappointing part.”
Energy off the bench
Talay was encouraged by the impact of his substitutes at the weekend, particularly the energy injected into the attacking third with new signings Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Ahmet Arslan.
“Those boys definitely gave us energy. We got into the box five times and had some good connections, even though they haven’t played much together.”
However, he remains cautious about managing workloads, particularly for players still building fitness after recent returns.
Leichhardt factor
With only one win from their first three matches back at Allianz Stadium, Talay is hoping Leichhardt continues to be a happy hunting ground.
“Leichhardt’s been good to us this season and I’m hoping that continues.”
He also acknowledged the importance of improved playing conditions after a heavy surface last weekend.
“Some things we can’t control. What we can control is the football and the performance we put out there.”
Focus locked on three points
The equation is clear. A win draws Sydney level with the rest of the chasing pack. A loss opens a significant gap.
Talay’s message to his squad is equally clear.
“It’s a defining game for us. We’re at home. The table evens out after this.
We need maximum points.”
Match Details
Sydney FC v Auckland FC
Isuzu UTE A-League 2025/26 Round 10
Tuesday 17th February 2026
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 7:00pm AEDT
Gates Open: 6:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
Tickets: Click Here
