Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay says his side must combine composure with intensity when they host Brisbane Roar at Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
With three games in the space of a week, Talay confirmed his squad has handled the short turnaround well heading into another pivotal fixture in the run home.
“The boys have recovered well,” Talay said.
“They’ll get their last session in this morning in preparation for Brisbane. It’s been a short turnaround again — three games in a week — but overall the boys are looking fine and ready to go.”
“That’s What Family Does”
Talay also addressed his on-field exchange with Al Hassan Toure during the week, making it clear there are no lingering issues.
“There’s nothing to really clear. We had a chat the next morning,” he said.
“He got his point across, I got my point across — and that’s what family does.”
New Signings Finding Their Feet
Talay is encouraged by the growing influence of new arrivals Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Ahmet Arslan, who are building match fitness and chemistry within the squad.
“AP had a lot of game time over in Scotland and Ahmo [Arslan] has played a lot of minutes,” Talay said.
“It’s very important we include them and get minutes into their legs so they get used to playing 90 minutes every week.
“They’re definitely adding value to the team.”
The Head Coach believes the pair are already getting into dangerous areas, with goals only a matter of time.
“Against Adelaide, Ahmet had five big moments. As soon as AP came on against Adelaide, he had a good chance and forced saves. Once AP gets that first goal, I think it will start to open up even more for him.”
Managing the Moments
Recent late goals have proven costly for the Sky Blues, something Talay admits must improve — but not at the expense of their identity.
“We don’t want to park the bus,” he said.
“The way we kill the game is by still playing our brand of football, but making better decisions — do we go forward, or do we maintain possession?
“Those decisions need to be better in those moments.”
Talay described conceding a late equaliser after taking the lead as “taking the air out of your lungs,” but remains focused on the opportunity to respond immediately.
“The great thing about football is we’ve got a game on Saturday and we go again.”
Selection Positives
Defensive leader Marcel Tisserand returns to availability, though Talay emphasised competition for places remains strong.
“Popa [Alex Popovic] had a good game against Auckland. If you perform, you get to play again.
“Marcel will be available for selection.”
Meanwhile, Joe Lolley continues to build sharpness with every outing.
“He’s definitely fit. He ran a lot in the last game.
The more games he plays, the sharper he’ll get — and he’s a very important and influential player for us.”
With Abel Walatee also returning to the mix and the squad nearing full strength, Talay believes the timing couldn’t be better as the season enters its decisive phase.
“It’s nice to have a full deck of cards available.
“It’s great for morale, and it gives us depth to influence games.”
Expecting a Battle
Despite not meeting Brisbane in the league yet this season, Talay expects a fierce contest, recalling a fiery pre-season encounter between the sides.
“They’re a hardworking, honest team. It was quite a feisty game in pre-season,” he said.
“We need to match them for intensity and mindset. If we do that, and then get the ball down and play, we have the quality to shine.”
With the ladder tightening and ambitions of finishing top still firmly in sight, Talay has set clear targets for the final stretch.
“Every game is very important. We want to go all the way and finish top of the ladder.
“We’ve set goals for our last nine games — now it’s about bringing that to fruition.”
Match Details
Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
Isuzu UTE A-League 2025/26 Round 18
Saturday 21st February 2026
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 5:00pm AEDT
Gates Open: 4:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Drama
Tickets: Click Here
