Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka has endorsed the re-signing of veteran striker John Aloisi – but the ex-Socceroo remains uncommitted beyond the A-League finals.
Aloisi, who has been linked to the Melbourne Heart, may play his last game for the Sky Blues in Saturday’s preliminary final against Wellington at the SFS.
But if Lavicka has his way, the 34-year-old will stay on for at least one more season, especially with Brisbane’s Sergio van Dijk reportedly pricing himself out of Sydney’s reach
“We know that Johnny is still able to play and, it’s hard to say now, but we are discussing about this possibility for the future,” Lavicka said ahead of Sydney’s final training run on Friday.
“I would like to keep him here at Sydney FC.”
“I have to say, it’s easy for me as a coach and easy for us as coaching staff to have players around like Johnny.”
“He’s a very smart, experienced player and good player on the pitch as well.”
“It’s easy to build up the younger players around him and also because we have people like Steve Corica and Simon Colosimo.”
While flattered by Lavicka’s rich praise, a guarded Aloisi was giving little away when quizzed on his future.
“I’m concentrating on winning (Saturday’s) game and at the end of the season we’ll see,” he said.
Turning his attention to the final, Aloisi rubbished claims giant-killing Wellington go into the match with nothing to lose.
He says with a spot against Melbourne in the decider up for grabs, the Kiwis will be gutted to fall at the final hurdle.
“They say they’re under no pressure but there is definitely pressure to make a grand final,” Aloisi said.
“They’ve had a top year – it’s the best season they’ve had in the A-League – but as a player you really want to go on and play in the grand final.”
“There’s pressure for both sides and for all sets of players.”
“They’re no different to us – they want to get to the final and win it.”
