Having scaled the heights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it’s a climb of a different kind Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka now has on his mind over the next few weeks.
Checking out the sights of Sydney from the unique vantage point at the top of the famous ‘coat hanger’ was a thrill for the Sydney boss but he’d much prefer to see his side win a few more wins and to move up the A-League ladder.
The Sky Blues started that quest last weekend when they posted a vital 3-0 win over Perth Glory but it had been a long time coming.
So bad was Sydney’s start to the season – 10 games without a win – that Lavicka vowed he’d put his grave fear of heights aside and climb the bridge once his team posted their first victory.
And the Sydney boss stayed true to his word on Thursday, donning the grey jumpsuit to mount the famous landmark with his daughter Tereza.
“I was a bit hesitant when we started but once we got going I was fine. What can I say, it was an amazing experience and something I will never forget,” Lavicka said.
“I remember when I first came to Sydney that I thought to myself how amazing the Bridge looked and how difficult it would have been to create.”
“I was with my daughter so it was very special moment for us up there today.”
“I want my team to follow me and climb to the top. We will do everything we can to do that.”
Another win against the second-placed Brisbane Roar at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday would be a good start.
Despite picking up three points last weekend, there is still plenty for Sydney to do if they are to work their way through a log-jam of teams towards finals football.
While the Sky Blues have never lost to the Roar in Sydney, they will start this clash as underdogs given the visitors’ scintillating form which has them in second spot behind Adelaide.
“Brisbane and Adelaide in my opinion at this moment play the best football in the A-League….it’s going to be a good challenge for us,” Lavicka said.
“They have a lot of mobility and are playing very good football…the players know we can expect a tough game this weekend.”
“But we have picked up confidence in Perth after we won so we are excited for Saturday’s game.”
“We have taken a small step forward, it’s only small step but very important step for us.”
“I was happy (with the Glory win) because we improved a lot of things and every single player on the pitch gave maximum effort for the team.”
“After the win we picked up more confidence and we still have good quality players in the squad which are able to play good football.”
“But we have to keep going and working hard.”
