Sydney FC coach Frank Farina has suggested Qantas Socceroos stalwart Jason Culina is unlikely to play for the Sky Blues again after the pair had a disagreement at training last week.
Sydney FC coach Frank Farina has suggested Qantas Socceroos stalwart Jason Culina is unlikely to play for the Sky Blues again after the pair had a disagreement at training last week.
It is understood Culina objected to being asked to train with the second team at Friday’s session and had a heated exchange with Farina.
Culina signed with the club in October after a two-year absence with a chronic knee injury.
He was originally due to play in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Brisbane but was dropped from the 17-man squad following the altercation.
Club officials will meet next week to discuss the 32-year-old’s future, but the coach made his feelings clear after the match.
Asked if Culina is likely to play for the club again after his side’s vital victory over Brisbane, Farina told Fox Sports: “That will be determined next week but at this stage no.”
Farina refused to elaborate on the Culina issue at the post-match press conference.
“I’m not going to talk about that now, this isn’t the forum,” he said.
“If you want to talk about the game I’ll talk about the game.
“What happens in our club, that’s our business.”
Meanwhile, Farina stopped short of declaring his side has turned the corner after returning to the top six for the first time since Round 4.
Peter Triantis’ maiden Hyundai A-League goal broke the deadlock in the 70th minute after Alessandro Del Piero and Besart Berisha traded first-half goals in a spirited encounter.
The Sky Blues have posted three wins, two draws and a loss in their last six matches and have now earned 18 points in 12 matches under Farina.
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride and I said that 11 weeks ago when I got here,” he said.
“You can’t say it’s a turning point but any time you get three points it’s great.
“At the moment that’s all we think about, week by week.
“It’s a cliche but for us and for the like of Brisbane and Melbourne Heart, that’s really what it’s about. Every week there’s three points up for grabs and we’ve got to try and get some of them.
“That’s a big three points for us tonight.”
Brett Emerton and Ali Abbas will both miss next weekend’s crucial clash against Adelaide United after earning yellow cards against the Roar.
“I thought Brett’s was a bit harsh and Ali’s was very richly deserved,” he said.
“And he’ll richly deserve a fine from us because it was dissent, but Brett’s was harsh I thought.
“I didn’t know they’ll miss next week so that’s a bit ordinary.”
Meanwhile, Farina heaped praise on Del Piero after his latest master-class.
“He was again I thought very, very good tonight,” he said.
“That’s why he is who he is. He can put in performances like that.
“He’s a big-game player, we certainly need him and he’s stepped up at a time when the club has been desperate for his experience and his play.”
