Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay says his side are determined to bounce back from last weekend’s loss as they return home to Leichhardt Oval for the first time this season to face the Central Coast Mariners.
Reflecting on Round One
After a disappointing Round One defeat to Adelaide United, Talay admitted the result didn’t match the effort his players put in.
“Yeah, definitely disappointed with the outcome,” Talay said.
“Conceding the goals the way we did, especially the first one from a set piece, was disappointing.”
However, the Sky Blues boss was quick to highlight the positives from the performance.
“We got good minutes into Victor’s legs, Marcel and Piero as well — we’re trying to build that cohesion with the group. This was actually the first time since I’ve been here that we entered the opponent’s box 33 times. We just weren’t effective enough with that final pass or taking advantage of those half chances we created.”
Excited for a Homecoming
Talay said his players are excited to be back in front of their home supporters for the first time in 2025/26.
“Finally, we get to be reintroduced to our fans and the Cove coming out in full voice. We’re really looking forward to their support against Central Coast, who had a good result against Newcastle on the weekend.”
Building Cohesion in Attack
With new signing Victor Campuzano making his debut, Talay believes it’s only a matter of time before the Spanish striker finds the net.
“Victor will be fine. Once we build that cohesion with Joe, Piero, Al Hassan or Abel — whoever plays — and even Woody or Tiago when they come on, I think Victor will be fine,” he said.
“He’s a very smart player in the way we want to play. He knows when to come off the line, when to get into the box, and he’s in the right areas. Once he scores his first goal, that confidence will build moving forward.”
Improving the Defensive Shape
After conceding early chances against Adelaide, Talay said adjustments at halftime showed the team’s progress.
“The game plan wasn’t to start as high as we did — that allowed them space in behind, especially on the right-hand side where they used their pace to play direct. But in the second half we had them pinned back, playing in their half. We just couldn’t create that clear-cut chance to capitalise,” he explained.
“We reviewed it with the players, spoke about what needed fixing, and I think we nullified those moments well in the second half.”
On the Goalkeepers
There’s been some focus on the goalkeeping position this week, and Talay praised both of his options after Harrison Devenish-Meares started and Gus Hoefsloot was on the bench.
“We’re very lucky — we’ve got two very good goalkeepers who can step up at any time,” he said. “Harrison made two very important saves early on in the game — his job is to keep the ball out of the back of the net and he did that well.”
Talay also spoke highly of former Sydney FC goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne who lines up against the Sky Blues for the first time his season in the Mariners colours.
“Red is a quality individual and a quality player,” Talay said. “He’s always been a winner, and that’s why he’s stayed at this level for such a long time. He was very important to Sydney FC and to Australian football, and he’ll go out and play his game like he always does.”
Respect for the Mariners
The Sky Blues boss expects a tough test from the Gosford based side on Saturday night.
“Mariners have always been a great club — they’re hardworking, they grind through games, but they’ve also got quality to play through you or over the top,” Talay said.
“For us, we’re playing at home, so we need to dominate the game in all areas and make sure we get the result we need.”
Making Leichhardt a Fortress
Talay said returning to Leichhardt Oval brings back good memories from his coaching days with Wellington.
“I’ve been here before as head coach of Wellington when we played Sydney, and there were 17,000 people — the place was rocking,” he said. “Hopefully we get a great turnout again. It’s a great atmosphere and a fun place to watch football.”
Team News and Updates
The squad remains largely healthy ahead of the weekend.
“The only one who might be available who missed last week is Corey [Hollman], depending on how he gets through today’s session,” Talay confirmed. “Everyone else is good to go. Joe Lacey is the only one unavailable.”
On Piero Quispe’s Adaptation
With excitement building around new signing Piero Quispe, Talay said the Peruvian playmaker has settled in well and is already winning over teammates and fans alike.
“Piero’s going very well. He’s adapted to the group really quickly and he’s a quality individual — still only 24,” Talay said.
“I think the Peruvian fans will come and support him and the team. That’ll definitely help him and make him feel even more comfortable.”
