Sydney FC coach John Kosmina only has to look as far back as September 28 to be reminded of the damage a seemingly down and out opponent can inflict.
That was the day the Wellington Phoenix broke its run of outs at Sydney’s expense, unexpectedly securing its first win (2-1) of the season.
On Sunday FC take on last-placed Perth Glory – a club struggling for wins, confidence and contentment on and off the pitch.
And Kosmina is again worried.
“Perth are a good side that have fallen on hard times of late,” he said.
“They’ve had the meetings and the discussions and the threats of people losing their spots, so it’s probably not a good time to be playing them.”
“But the fact is it’s about us. We’re going to Perth and we’re going there to win the game.”
“If we go there in the right frame of mind we’ll get the result we need.”
Kosmina initially feigned disinterest in the on-going saga at Glory but later admitted he was concerned David Mitchell’s men might be ready to mount a revival.
“It’s created a situation but I worry more about what’s happening with our blokes and our blokes are pretty happy at the moment,” the Sydney boss said.
“What happens at other clubs is for them to deal with, not for me to comment on.”
Kosmina’s men left for Perth on Friday afternoon minus striker Alex Brosque and goalkeeper Clint Bolton.
Both are carrying niggling injuries, with the coach not prepared to take a risk on their fitness after such a long flight.
It gives the exciting Brendon Santalab a chance to start a match up front, while back-up custodian Ivan Necevski makes a rare appearance between the sticks.
“It’s going to be a good occasion. I only got one game last year so hopefully I will have a good game on Sunday and back it up against Melbourne the week after,” Necevski said.
“They’re pretty big shoes to fill. I’m just concentrating on putting in a good performance.”
Kosmina said of the gloveman: “He’s got to get over some pre-match nerves but he’ll be fine.”
“Ivan’s got a great kicking game so hopefully he will be able to put that to use.”
The round eight schedule pits the top four sides against the bottom four, giving those near the summit the chance to break clear.
But Kosmina insisted the results – whichever way they go – won’t settle the top four issues this far from home.
“All I am worried about is that we win our game this week and then whatever happens in the other games we deal with,” he said..
“It’s nice to have a safety net with points but you deal with the competition as it evolves.”
“Whatever happens this week happens and I only care about what we do.”
