New Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka has promised not to forget the fans in his quest to return the inaugural Hyundai A-League Champions to the winner’s circle.
Lavicka and new assistant coach Michal Zach fronted the Sydney media on Friday to unveil their grand plans for the coming season.
Voted the Czech coach of the year in 2006, Lavicka enjoyed a decorated career spanning 13 years as a player and has spent the past seven seasons coaching in the Czech League, most recently with club giants Sparta Prague.
The 45-year-old is the club’s fifth coach in as many seasons.
And while he understands the need to achieve instant results on the park, he also stressed the importance of entertaining football fans along the way.
“We would like to play attractive football but I know how important (it is to get) results,” he said.
“We need balance (between) playing an attractive game but we need good results.”
“We have to play attractive not only defensive.”
“We do it more for the spectators and the people in the stands. Defence is an important part of the game but not (the only) one.”
“If you want to win you need to score goals.”
Lavicka revealed his three golden rules for success, and while his ethos demands hard-work and discipline, he promised to put the fun back into football for the players.
“My philosophy is simple and can be broken into (three parts),” he revealed.
“The first one is discipline. Discipline is being professional, respecting each other and to respect inner club rules.”
“The second one is motivation and it’s a very important part of my philosophy. Motivation improves little by little but we need to improve in every training session and every game.”
“Third one is team unity, a very important part is the relationships between the players,” he said.
“Good relationships form a good atmosphere in the club and in the team. A good atmosphere makes a good environment and we can (achieve) success.”
“Another important part is to enjoy – enjoy playing and enjoy the work and be together to (enjoy) success – it’s easy, that’s all.”
The softly spoken coach made no secret of his intentions to bolster his defensive stocks with new personnel.
However, he would not be drawn when asked to name the players at the top of his shopping list, saying only that he is looking at players in Europe and other countries.
While Sydney fans can expect to see some new face in the back-four this season, Lavicka confirmed marquee striker John Aloisi remains firmly in his plans despite a difficult debut season for the Sky Blues.
“I know John Aloisi (struggled last season) but he had injury many times … injuries (are a) big problem for all players and it’s not easy to get back after injury to the top level.”
“I believe that John Aloisi’s a professional, I know about a special training program (he will complete) before the season and I hope he will be a good member of our team – (he is) important.”
Lavicka will spend the coming days planning for the upcoming campaign with Zach and the third member of the coaching staff, co-assistant coach Tony Popovic.
