Steve Corica admits his Sydney FC side are well aware they can clinch the Hyundai A-League Premiers Plate with three wins in the next week.
Nine more points will secure Corica’s first Premiership as a head coach, and a fourth Premiers Plate to go alongside the Harbour City club’s four Championships.
And with the Sky Blues taking on reigning Premiers, Perth Glory, today and Wellington Phoenix on Wednesday – both at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – Corica’s side could lock up the trophy on the turf of bitter rivals Western Sydney Wanderers’ Bankwest Stadium on Saturday, 21 March.
But, for that to happen, the defending Champions must beat Glory in a rerun of last season’s Grand Final – and Corica is making sure his players know what is at stake.
“The boys are aware of that, if we win all three, we win the Premiership – it’s as simple as that.”
“It’s obviously what we’re trying to do,” Corica said.
“We try to win every game and if you do win every game this week, you’ve got something out of it.
SATURDAY PREVIEW: Sydney FC v Perth Glory
REACTION: Fowler insists high-flying Roar must remain laser focused
“The boys are looking forward to the challenge, it’s obviously a great challenge as well.
“We’re playing two very good teams, and then the big Derby as well on the weekend, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Corica received a boost this week with the return to training of Michael Zullo, Chris Zuvela and Luke Ivanovic – meaning he finally has a full compliment of players available.
And Sydney’s head coach conceded the battle for the left-back spot will be hotting up after teenager Joel King strung together a stretch of impressive performances throughout the season.
“It’s great to have two quality players,” Corica added. “Joel King has done an exceptional job and he’s improving all the time.
“He’s getting better and better each game, which is great for us.
“It shows that he has the quality to play in the A-League and maybe internationally as well at some stage.
“It’s good to have Zulls [Michael Zullo] back training as well and putting a little bit of pressure on Joel, which is good leading into the Finals Series.”
SATURDAY PREVIEW: Melbourne City v Western Sydney Wanderers
ANNOUNCEMENT: FFA Statement on COVID-19 impact on football this weekend
Round 24
Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC
Saturday, 21 March
Bankwest Stadium
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT
Perth Glory v Western United FC
Saturday, 21 March
HBF Park
Kick off: 6.45pm local, 9.45pm AEDT