Two away fixtures within four days present Sydney FC with the chance to make a massive early-season impact across two competitions this week, opening their A-League campaign against Western Sydney on Saturday before jetting off to Japan to play Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the AFC Champions League Two.
Consecutive wins against Hong Kong’s Eastern (5-0) and Kaya FC (4-1) in the Philippines have Ufuk Talay feeling his side is primed to take on the Wanderers, before meeting the current J1 League leaders in the toughest assignment they’ll face in the Champions League group stage.
‘We’ve had a glimpse of Sanfrecce while preparing for our two games previously. We first need to play the Wanderers, but after that we’ll be straight to Japan where we’ll play our way, try to press them, and play the football we want to. Regardless of the outcome, we want to play the brand that resonates with Sydney FC.’
There’s an air of anticipation around Saturday’s season opening Derby somewhat akin to the glory days of the A-League, with decorated marquees Douglas Costa and Juan Mata both chances to make their debuts before a bumper crowd in Parramatta.
It’s an excitement not many expected when the APL slashed club distribution funds to the bone in July. Certainly Costa, with eleven league titles across Germany, Italy and Ukraine and 31 Brazil caps, looks set to take part on Saturday after playing both Sydney’s Champions League matches thus far.
‘I think he’s thoroughly enjoying Sydney. Sometimes the guys that have played at the highest levels for a long time are the most humble, and he does everything required of him. It’s a great lift for the boys and something definitely needed in the change rooms and for the fans, some new faces to be excited about.
‘Out last game in the Philippines, half [their] squad was waiting for him to come out of the changerooms for a photo. The great thing for us is he loves the game, just wants to play and train, which is a great influence in the changeroom. It’s very important for us to bring these types of players into the A-League competition.’
Talay has packed his foreign quota into his front half, with Polish striker Patryk Klimala, German playmaker Anas Ouahim and the deeper-lying Léo Sena of Brazil to join Costa and known quantity Joe Lolley, who has been retained for a third season in Sky Blue.
They’ll play in front of an all-Australian defence that still includes Rhyan Grant, Andrew Redmayne and Joel King, while Alexander Popovic (loan) and Hayden Matthews look ready to take the next step in their young careers.
‘I think people will definitely be surprised by what Klymala will bring to the team. Ouahim is a great talent who’s been doing well for us since he came in. Young Corey [Hollman] had a good season with us, as did Hayden Matthews at the back end of last season.
‘Old faces like [Anthony] Caceres and Rhyan Grant are still working very hard. As a collective I think we’ve got the recruitment right, have a bit more depth within the squad. We’re very happy with the way things are going, and are looking forward to the season starting.’