Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay says the Sydney Derby will be decided not by tactics, but by desire, courage and hunger, as the Sky Blues prepare to host Western Sydney Wanderers at Allianz Stadium this weekend.
With a short turnaround following Monday night’s match and travel earlier in the week, Talay confirmed the focus quickly shifted to the Club’s biggest fixture.
“We played Monday, travelled Tuesday and now we have a three-day lead-in to a massive game at home,” Talay said.
“The focus has shifted very quickly to the derby.”
Understanding the weight of the jersey
Following Monday’s tough result, Talay mentioned about the weight that a Sydney FC jersey carries and he explained what he meant by this.
“It’s the expectation of the club,” he said.
“Sydney FC is the most successful club in the competition and the expectation is to win trophies every season.”
“We’ve got young players who will get there in time and understand the weight of the jersey and what’s required week in, week out.”
Talay was clear the performance against Melbourne Victory did not meet those standards.
“That performance wasn’t acceptable at the level we believe Sydney FC should be playing,” he said.
“We want to win trophies every year.”
Collective responsibility and derby mentality
While addressing recent defensive issues, Talay stressed responsibility lies with the entire team.
“Defending starts from the front all the way to the back,” he said.
“It’s a collective thing.”
Looking ahead, Talay believes derby football demands a mindset beyond structure and systems.
“These derbies aren’t decided by tactics,” he said.
“They’re decided by desire — by being willing to work harder, run more, be brave and be courageous.”
“The derby is always chaotic, and tactics don’t always get you the result.”
Learning from Monday’s defeat
Talay reflected on the narrow defeat in the previous derby and the importance of responding when momentum shifts.
“The first 10 to 15 minutes against Victory were OK,” he said.
“But we turned over cheap balls, allowed them to transition, and once momentum shifted, we didn’t respond.”
“That’s something we need to improve — manipulating the ball better while maintaining hunger and desire.”
Team news and selection boost
Talay confirmed defender Alex Grant will be available after being substituted in the first half after taking an elbow to the head.
“Alex Grant will be available this weekend,” he said.
“That’s great for us after having another player on the sideline.”
Marcel Tisserand’s availability will be managed carefully, but Talay remains confident in his importance.
“Marcel is a very important player for us,” he said.
“Whether it’s 45 or 60 minutes, we’ll push him and make decisions within the game.”
Joe Lolley ready to return
Talay confirmed Joe Lolley is ready to play his part after an injury absence, describing his return as a major boost.
“Joe’s ticked all the boxes,” Talay said.
“He hit 96% in his sprinting numbers, he’s in a great place mentally and physically.”
“He’s ready to start or come off the bench — whatever the game plan is.”
Experience, edge and response
With a young bench featuring heavily in recent weeks, Talay highlighted the importance of experience in derby football.
“Experience is key in managing these games — knowing when to slow it down or speed it up,” he said.
“But we also need young energy to do the running.”
Asked about comments made after the last derby from Western Sydney on social media, Talay expects a response on the pitch.
“That’s part of the rivalry and the entertainment,” he said.
“I think there will be a response from us.”
Eyes firmly forward
Despite recent setbacks, Talay believes Sydney FC remain well placed as the season reaches a critical phase.
“We’re still in a great position,” he said.
“A win puts us in a strong place heading into another massive game next week.”
“The focus is on performing well first — and we believe the result will follow.”
Match Details
Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Isuzu UTE A-League Round 15
Saturday 31st January 2026
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 7:35pm AEDT
Gates Open: 4:30pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Drama
Tickets: Click Here
