In the latest of our series of columns from the Hyundai A-League Finals Series club captains, Sydney FC skipper Alex Brosque looks forward in his own words to this weekend’s Semi Final Big Blue against Melbourne Victory.
Read on for Brosque’s thoughts on avenging last season’s dramatic last-four exit to the Victory and how he has been unwinding before Sunday’s clash.
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Back where we belong
“The Finals Series is here and I could not be more excited.
“We’ve worked so hard to be here, and we deserve to be here. Sydney FC and the Finals Series go hand in hand, it’s a familiar scenario for us now and we’ll be giving our all on Sunday to reach another Grand Final.
“We all know what happened in last year’s Semi-Final – that result hurt – and we would be lying if we said there wasn’t a hint of revenge driving us on.
“I can’t wait to see all our members and fans at our home backing us to win. It’s set to be a great day and we can’t wait to kick off.”
It’s all about Sunday
“I didn’t travel with the boys to Korea [for Sydney FC’s AFC Champions League tie with Ulsan], I stayed in Sydney and put everything in at training with assistant coach Rob Stanton to make sure I’m right for Sunday’s game.
My foot is feeling good and I’m confident of playing – if this is to be my last Hyundai A-League game I’ll be on the field for sure.
“Training with the majority of the squad away is a different feeling, it’s a lot quieter at our training base. Sometimes not having [Michael] Zullo around sneaking photos of you for his Instagram or Snapchat accounts is a welcome bit of peacefulness.
“Rhyno [Rhyan Grant], Wilks [Alex Wilkinson], Siem [de Jong] and Jop [van der Linden] have been here in Sydney with me too, we’ve all been pushing each other to be in peak condition for Sunday, and the sessions have been good.
Family man
“Staying in Sydney has also allowed for a bit more family time too, and with all the demands of professional football it’s nice to spend any time I can with my wife and children.
“I’ve been taking the girls to school each morning recently and it’s a refreshing way to start my day, and always an enjoyable car ride.
“Our squad need no reminders of what’s at stake, it’s do-or-die and we’re certainly planning on closing out 2018/19 with a medal.”
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