Sydney FC coach Frank Farina has offered his support to under-fire boss John Aloisi after the Sky Blues proved too good for Melbourne Heart.
Sydney FC coach Frank Farina has offered his support to under-fire Melbourne Heart boss John Aloisi after the Sky Blues proved too good for the Victorian side in their Friday night A-League clash.
The pressure is building on Aloisi after the Heart’s winless start to the A-League season continued with a 2-0 loss to the Sky Blues at AAMI Park.
But Farina, who was pleased with his side’s second straight win, put Aloisi’s position into perspective.
“I’ve got a lot of time for John. He’s a young coach coming in,” Farina told reporters.
“We’ve got to remember – it’s a game. Pressure is not having a place to live in, or having an illness or having your family sick. That’s pressure. Football is a game.
“It’s a game I love, I’ve been paid money to play it and coach it. You’ve got to put it into perspective as to what it is and if you do that, I think you understand there are a lot of other situations in life that’s real pressure.”
Farina was under similar pressure after four rounds, but Sydney have since claimed consecutive wins.
Their latest victory came on the back of a first-half Alessandro Del Piero penalty and Joel Chianese tap-in.
“Unfortunately, as a football coach, when the team loses it seems to be your fault. When they win, it’s great play or great players,” Farina said.
“I don’t like to give advice, I’ve been in a situation similar (to Aloisi), will be in situations similar in the future but I think you’ve just got to put it into perspective in what you’re doing.
“He (Aloisi) is doing his best, what he believes is going to be good for the team.”
Farina’s men moved provisionally third on the A-League table, but the 49-year-old said more would be expected of his side.
“We’ve had a self-belief from day one. Sydney is a huge city, it’s a huge club in terms of expectations and demands. Pressure is always there,” he said.
“Irrespective if you win two games in a row, we’re expected – or demanded – to go out and win next week. That’s the reality of this job, this club.
“Inside the team, there’s a real belief. We’ve got some great winners in there and great leaders. It’s always been a good vibe, but it’s all about results.”
