Faltering Sydney FC’s revolving door has delivered striker Mark Bridge but ushered captain Terry McFlynn out the exit ahead of Saturday night’s important meeting with Central Coast at the SFS.
Bridge has overcome a hamstring strain to make his way back for the winless defending champions but that news was tempered by the loss of McFlynn, also to a hamstring problem.
The loss of the influential McFlynn is the last thing bottom-placed Sydney needed as they attempt to turnaround their poor start to the new campaign.
With just one point from their opening three games, the heat is on the Sky Blues to rediscover their 2009/10 form – quickly.
“There is always pressure. We’ve had a slow start and still waiting for a victory but I believe the team is able to turn things around and get a victory as soon as possible,” coach Vitezslav Lavicka said on Thursday.
“It’s unlucky because we lost Terry McFlynn in training yesterday … which is another trouble for us in this moment.”
“But 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.”
“We were without some of our best attacking players, but that’s football – sometimes injuries happen.”
Bridge said that while those outside the club are concerned about Sydney’s season to date, there is no panic inside the camp.
“The mood hasn’t changed. It’s early days and there’s still a long way to go,” he said.
“A couple of wins and we’re right back up there.”
“It’s just about us being in a little bit of a slump and not playing well.”
“We need to keep possession instead of trying to counter so quickly with just one up front.”
Lavicka concurred, adding: “We must play with more quality in attack and be more aggressive and responsible in defence.”
“Every player must give 100 percent to the cause … turn back to the basics and work and work and work.”
Bridge could be employed in a dual striking role with young Kofi Danning, although the conservative Lavicka has been using a lone man up front and may again go with that system.
The Mariners make the journey south following the full smorgasbord of results this season – a win, draw and loss placing them sixth on four points.
