Sydney FC winger Joel Chianese says he hopes “give the fans something to cheer about” in Saturday’s massive Sydney Derby.
Sydney FC winger Joel Chianese says he hopes “give the fans something to cheer about” in Saturday-s massive Sydney Derby.
The Sky Blues focus has been firmly on playing the Western Sydney Wanderers this week, with Chianese promising the fans a special occasion.
“The morale is good at training and we-re working hard getting ready for the big derby,” he said. “It-s going to be a massive game and a massive crowd.
With the attendance set to be close to a record for a regular season game and more than 26,000 fans at Allianz Stadium in the corresponding fixture last season, Chianese is looking forward to more of the same this year.
“It-ll be a great atmosphere, in the first home game The Cove was awesome and we-re hoping for the same this time.
“It-s the main reason you want to play; in big games and in front of big crowds. Hopefully we should have over 30,000,” Chianese said.
“There is a lot of expectation from our fans to step up and beat the reigning premiers.”
Chianese has also called on the squad to “step up” this weekend as the Sky Blues prepare to take on a Western Sydney team who are coming off back-to-back draws from their opening two games.
“We stepped up in the first round and we-ve got to do it again. We need to play at our best and how the coach wants us to play. If you can-t step up for a derby then you-re not really in this game,” said Chianese.
“We-ve got a big game and a big occasion. We-ll do our job.”
