Ufuk Talay has spoken to the media ahead of the clash with Auckland FC in the Hahn Australia Cup, addressing the new signing’s fitness, the latest on Douglas Costa & more.
On Training and the Challenge Ahead
“We’ve been training well, and it’s going to be a massive game against last season’s premiers. Definitely a big challenge.”
He noted that while Auckland have kept the core of their successful squad together, Sydney are still in the process of building.
“They’ve retained most of their squad from last season. We’re still in a phase of bringing players in, but I think we’re in a good place and looking forward to Saturday evening.”
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On New Signing Marcel Tisserand
Sydney FC recently confirmed the signing of experienced French-born Congolese defender Marcel Tisserand. Talay said the club identified leadership and experience at the back as a priority
“We needed a bit of leadership in our backline, from the learnings of last season and the season before. We lost Jakey [Girdwood-Reich0, then Hayden [Matthews] mid-season, so we felt we needed international experience in that area, and Marcel definitely gives us that.”
However, fans will need to wait before seeing the new arrival in action:
“He’s not ready yet. He’s doing parts of isolated training and some with the group, but physically he’s not at the stage where he can play a game right now.”
On Douglas Costa’s Situation
One of the big questions around Sydney FC remains the status of Brazilian star Douglas Costa, who is yet to link back up with the squad.
“There’s no definite timeline. We want him back, he wants to come back, and we’re supporting him through this,” Talay explained.
But he also admitted the club needs to be pragmatic with the transfer window closing soon:
“We’re hopeful he gets here as soon as possible, but in the background we’re working on alternatives. We can’t be left sitting on our hands if things don’t go to plan. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll have to move in another direction.”
On Squad Fitness
Looking ahead to the weekend, Talay was upbeat about his squad’s condition.
“The squad is good. The only one with a bit of an issue is Al Hassan with his calf. He’ll be touch and go and we’ll decide closer to the game. Everyone else has been training well.”
On Leo Sena’s Situation
Questions also turned to midfielder Leo Sena, whose progress has been impacted by personal challenges.
“It’s a bit of a mixture with Leo. Mentally and physically he’s not in the place we want him to be, and he knows that as well. Personal issues off the field have hindered his physical side of the game.
“It’s disappointing because he’s a good player who adds value, but we’ll see how things pan out in the next couple of weeks.”
On Former Academy Graduate Jaiden Kucharski
With Jaiden Kucharski recently released from Western United, Talay confirmed the door is always open for him to return.
“He’s one of our boys who came all the way through the Academy. We’ll always have a place for him if he wants to come back. We’ll provide a platform and environment to give him another opportunity to take the next step again.”
Match Details
Sydney FC v Auckland FC
Hahn Australia Cup Quarter Final
Saturday 23rd August 2025
Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, NSW
Kick Off: 7:30pm AEST
Gates Open: 6:30pm AEST
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
Tickets: Click Here
