Steve Corica has warned his Sydney FC to be ready for a reaction from Brisbane on Saturday night following the resignation of Roar coach John Aloisi on Friday.
Aloisi sent shockwaves through the Hyundai A-League on Friday morning when he stepped down from his role as Roar boss with immediate effect after a poor start to the 2018/19 Season.
And Sky Blues boss Corica was midway through his usual pre-game press conference on Friday when news of Aloisi’s demise filtered through.
READ: Aloisi quits as Brisbane Roar coach
MATCH PREVIEW: Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
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“I didn’t know that, I just heard that myself,” said Corica at Sky Blues HQ.
“Just then? Wow, okay.
“It’s unfortunate for him and the football club. It’s a big reaction there.
“Not sure who will take over that role now, but I’m obviously disappointed for him.”
Corica and Aloisi have enjoyed memorable times together in the Hyundai A-League, with the pair part of Sydney FC’s double-winning squad in the 2009/10 Season.
While disappointed for his former clubmate, Corica must quickly turn his focus towards Saturday’s vital clash for both sides at Jubilee Stadium.
Sydney FC head into Round 10 three points off the top of the Hyundai A-League ladder and are looking to continue their upturn in form after back-to-back wins over Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory.
But he is wary of a Roar squad that is sure to be fired-up after seeing their coach walk away following just one win in nine games this season.
“You expect a reaction anyway because they’ve had a bit of a bad run,” said Corica.
“You expect them to come here and give us a good game.
👀 This is the moment Head Coach Steve Corica finds out mid-press conference that Brisbane Roar Head Coach John Aloisi had stepped down…
What a game we're in for tomorrow!#SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs pic.twitter.com/LadLxHByM3
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) December 28, 2018
“It’s something we’ve got to look at for tomorrow, make sure the boys are ready for it.”
While Sydney FC will start favourites to keep their winning run going against the out-of-sorts Roar, they have lost both matches at their new home of Jubilee Stadium this season.
“At home, you’ve got to win your games. It’s important to do that and we’ll do that tomorrow,” Corica said.
“We knew Allianz was going to get knocked down, so it’s no excuse.
“It’s going to be the case for the next three years and we have to just get on with it.”
