Being more aggressive and responsible in defence will be crucial for Sydney FC in their F3 derby with the Central Coast Mariners at the SFS on Saturday night says coach Vitezslav Lavicka.
Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka has urged his side to go back to basics when they face the Central Coast Mariners at Sydney Football Stadium this Saturday night (7:30pm kick off).
The Sky Blues have yet to record a victory this season, but Lavicka is confident of a change in fortune after consecutive defeats on the road.
“We-ve made a slow start and we-re still waiting for the first victory this season. Of course the pressure is always there, but I believe we will be able to turn it around,” he said.
The Sky Blues have been blighted by injuries to key players and Alex Brosque (ankle) will miss out again this week, while captain Terry McFlynn (hamstring) is likely to miss the next two A-League matches.
But Lavicka was delighted by the return of striker Mark Bridge and emphasised his importance to the team.
“Mark is an important striker and we are far happier to have him back. We haven-t made a decision about whether we will start with two up front, so I-m delighted that we now have better options to play this way,” he said.
“Bridge and Brosque have been missing and that-s been difficult for us. We were without some of our best attacking players, but that-s football – sometimes injuries happen.”
Lavicka spoke of his respect for Graeme Arnold-s new-look Mariners, and warned that an assured performance was required to overcome them.
“The Mariners are a strong team with good quality in defence and attack. We have discussed how we can beat them. We must play with more quality in
attack, and be more aggressive and responsible in defence.
“Every player must give 100% to the cause. It-s time to go back to basics and work and work.”
Lavicka appealed for the fans to turn out in numbers to support the side.
“We-ve made mistakes but this is the responsibility of the whole team. The expectation is high but the season has a long way to go. I firmly believe in the team and players and I expect Sydney FC fans will come and support us to success.”
