Ufuk Talay is wanting his side to continue the right mentality ahead of Saturday’s Elimination Final against Macarthur at Allianz Stadium.
In their most recent meeting, the Sky Blues appeared to have a bit of a Derby hangover unable to find a way past the nine men of Macarthur and Ufuk Talay is not wanting that to happen again.
“The attitude and application of the players just wasn’t there coming off a big game the week before.
“I think the players probably thought that it was going to happen and these things just don’t,” he said.
“The attitude and mentality needs to be there every week and now the boys recognise the outcome when it is not.”
This season, the Sky Blues have shown that they can compete with the top teams, beating Premiers Central Coast Mariners home and away and also claiming three points against Wellington Phoenix.
Having been so disappointing against the Bulls last time out, he knows that his side must maintain concentration throughout the entire 90 minutes.
“We have the attributes and the players to achieve big and win things and the boys know that it is not a light switch.
“You can’t turn it on and off when you want to and that’s why you need to be so focussed 100% of the time,” Talay added.
“So it’s Finals football and the boys will certainly be up for it.”
For the first time in a long time, Ufuk Talay will welcome Pat Wood back into the squad and Talay has more or less a full team at his disposal.
“Fabio is back in training today and Woody [Pat Wood] joined in earlier in the week.
“Wood will be limited by minutes of course but it is good to have them both back.
“It’s nice to play in front of our own fans in Finals and we wlll have and feel that support on Saturday night.
“The boys know where we are at, what we need to do and they know we are playing against a good side so we know we are up for a challenge,” Talay concluded.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Macarthur FC
Isuzu UTE A-League Elimination Final
Saturday 4th May 2024
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 7:45pm AEST
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Bold
Tickets: Click Here
