Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay says his side will adapt and rise to the challenge despite the loss of in-form winger Joe Lolley, as the Sky Blues prepare for a tough away trip to face Perth Glory at HBF Park on Saturday night.
Lolley has been ruled out with a minor hamstring issue, but Talay confirmed the injury is far from severe.
“It’s not too bad — but he’ll miss this week.”
Talay said missing Lolley is a blow, but protecting him from a longer absence is the priority.
“It’s not too bad and it’s not too good at the same time,” he said.
“He’ll miss this week — unfortunately for us it’s a big loss. Joey is an important player, but I’d rather he miss one game than four or five.
“Hopefully he’ll be available for the Newcastle game.”
With Lolley sidelined, Talay said the door opens for others to step forward.
“Opportunities arise in these moments for players on the fringe or on the bench. We’ll adapt without Joe — that’s why you have depth.”
“The MRI shows something minor. The aim is to get him ready for Newcastle. If not, we’ll push him toward Auckland to keep things safe.”
Lolley, he said, understands the decision.
“No player wants to sit out, but he knows if he’s feeling something in his hammy, he won’t be able to play at 100%.”
Momentum strong — but Perth are “a team on a high”
Talay praised his side’s attacking moments against Central Coast, but was clear about areas for improvement.
“We dominated the game and created enough moments to win it.
“I didn’t like the soft goal we conceded from the set-piece against the Mariners, but we scored twice and took the three points.”
He warned that Perth Glory’s recent surge — three consecutive wins — makes them a significant challenge.
“They’re on a high. They’ve had positive results and that builds confidence.
“It’ll be a challenging game and we need to match them in attitude and mentality. Football-wise, we’re in a good space.”
Glory’s new identity under Adam Griffiths
Asked about Perth’s transformation under interim coach Adam Griffiths, Talay noted clear tactical shifts.
“They’ve changed the structure. Early in the season they were playing a back five — now it’s more of a 4-3-3 with Lawrence as a 10, JK wide, Taggart up top and two sixes.
“The starting points have changed, but football is football.”
Belief in depth — and confidence in the new arrivals
Talay pushed back against the idea that Sydney FC cannot win without their star winger.
“Definitely not. Last week Piero set up Al Hassan.
“Tiago [Quintal] started his first game and was very good — he created the moment for Victor’s goal.
“This is why you build a squad.”
On who replaces Lolley, Talay kept his cards close.
“Abel might get an opportunity. We’re tinkering with formation options.
I have a good idea of what it looks like — you’ll see it Saturday night.”
Young midfielders growing quickly — Paul Okon Jnr progressing well
With Paul Okon Jnr still recovering, Talay praised both him and Rhys Youlley for handling major responsibility in midfield.
“It’s a different game for Paul now — he’s playing as a sole six and covering more ground.
Both he and Rhysy [Youlley] have been good. They’re young, it’s their first year in senior football, but they want to learn and they take on information.”
Okon-Jnr is tracking well for his return.
“This is his first proper soft-tissue injury. He doesn’t like rehab — which is good.
He’s working hard, and the aim is Auckland.”
Match Details
Perth Glory v Sydney FC
Isuzu UTE A-League Round 8
Saturday 13th December 2025
HBF Park, Perth, WA
Kick Off: 9:45pm AEDT (6:45pm Local)
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
