Sydney FC’s insistence that they will eventually make something out of a disastrous season has found support in Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou.
After watching his team dominate the Sky Blues before settling for a deserved 1-0 win at the SFS on Sunday, Postecoglou refused to write the defending champions off despite their parlous state.
Sydney sit third last after picking up just four wins in 19 games, leaving them four points outside sixth place.
Their scatty form would indicate there is little hope of a resurrection but Postecoglou, who endured a similarly rough season last year before taking the Roar to the top of the table this campaign, believes there is life left in Sydney.
“It’s hard to judge other teams and other clubs. We went through it last year, it’s just very hard to pinpoint where you’re going wrong,” the Brisbane boss said.
“People didn’t know the problems we had internally so it’s impossible for me to comment on Sydney’s situation because I don’t know what the inner workings of the club are.”
“But they’ve still got some quality players. I still think they’ve got plenty to play for this year.”
Almost if learning by rote, Sydney players trot out the predictable line that they are just one win away from turning the corner.
It must be some curve because the Sky Blues have been awful most of the season, illustrated over the past fortnight with losses to the Mariners (4-0) and Roar (1-0).
Still, skipper Terry McFlynn insisted: “We still have the confidence and belief we can make the finals, no question about that.”
Confidence is not in short supply at the Roar, who have now gone 16 games without defeat.
Postecoglou’s greatest challenge is ensuring their run continues through the back-end of the season.
“Everyone’s asking if we’ve peaked too early – I’m just happy we’re peaking because we didn’t have many peaks last year,” he smiled.
“It’s not an issue for us. We want to play better every week and if that’s your focus then you can’t get complacent and you can’t peak too early.”
“All the signs tell me we’ve still got more in us and I expect us to finish the season strongly.”
