They were an integral part of the club’s championship success last season and Sydney FC’s ‘Killer Bs’ – Mark Bridge and Alex Brosque – believe they can take their formidable partnership to a new level this season.
With marquee man John Aloisi leaving in the off-season for pastures new with Melbourne Heart, the pressure will be on Bridge and Brosque to deliver the goals as Vitezslav Lavicka’s men to look defend their Hyundai A-League crown.
It’s a challenge the lethal duo accomplished quite regularly for the Sky Blues last season, amassing 16 goals between them on the way to the title, while Brosque also lead the league with a further 10 assists.
Bridge said the pair had built up an uncanny understanding in their two years together at the club and warned rival clubs their best is yet to come.
“We’ve added some different elements this pre-season which has helped us and I think we’ll do well again together this season,” Bridge told Sportal.
“We’re pretty similar players so we think very alike and I that helps to get a bit of a head start on the other teams.”
“We know each other well and I think the combination’s going to be there for a long time and will get better.”
“The good thing is we’ve got some great players from the defence right through the midfield which makes it a lot easier for us to keep improving and performing.”
“We feel confident and it’s exciting for what’s coming up this season.”
Asked why he thought the pair could again wreak havoc on the league this season, Brosque said: “Last year our partnership was a little disrupted…both of us were injured at different times and could never really get settled.”
“So from my point of view to be able to do a whole pre-season together and get some good games under our belt together this year we can be a lot better.”
“We’ve got a good team all over but the boys rely on us to score the goals and we enjoy that pressure and I think it brings out the best in us.”
While the loss of Aloisi and skipper Steve Corica has blunted some of Sydney’s attacking options, there is plenty of excitement around the acquisition of Socceroo midfielder Nicky Carle.
The 28-year-old said he was delighted to be back in the Hyundai A-League and admitted he was excited to be able to play alongside Bridge and Brosque in the Sky Blues attack.
“They were a big pulling card for me to come back to Sydney as well…I can’t wait to play behind them,” Carle, who joined the club from English club Crystal Palace, said.
“Bridgey’s one of those rare few players that knows what I’m going to do before I do it. We’ve got a really good understanding and Brosque is just unbelievable.”
“I’ve seen massive improvements in both of them from when I left to since I’ve got back.”
“I know those two always push themselves and get better and if they are on fire and leading from the front it gives confidence to the whole team.”
Sydney’s attacking gems will …when they take on Greek side AEK Athens in the opening game of the pre-season Festival of Football tournament on Sunday.
Matches against Scottish giants Rangers and English Premier League club Blackburn follow before the club’s Hyundai A-League season opener against Melbourne on August 7.
“We took a lot of confidence from the Everton game and to test ourselves against three more international quality teams is perfect for us,” Bridge said.
“It’s the preparation we need because we know every team is going to be after us this season and trying to get our title.”
