Mariners boss Graham Arnold said the opening minutes of the game provided the perfect response to last week’s thumping at the hands of the Roar.
“Great start,” Arnold said after the match. “You dream of those starts. We were all embarrassed by our performance against Brisbane, and the focus this week was on the reaction.”
“I thought the boys today, forget the first five minutes even, I thought the football performance was top shelf.”
“The first half, the way we moved the ball around and the football that we played was fantastic,” he explained.
The Central Coast coach also took time out to praise his two-goal hero after another fine individual display.
“Kwasnik has been brilliant all year, and I say that honestly.”
“Pre-season he was great, he was leading goalscorer in the pre-season. He had a flat period for a bit but his attitude and his mentality has been first class, he’s been coming off the bench and scoring goals, adding spark when he comes on the field and he’s been patient.
“He’s been waiting his time and an opportunity was created by (Daniel) McBreen’s suspension and he’s given me a big headache now because he has done superb tonight.”
Lavicka, in stark contrast, was apologetic in his post-match press conference.
“I don-t remember when we-ve played a worse performance than we did tonight.”
“Let me say sorry to all Sydney FC supporters, there is no excuse for what we did.”
Last season-s championship winning manager was at a loss to explain where it all went wrong, but will need his side to regroup quickly with the red-hot Brisbane Roar, who have not tasted defeat in their past fifteen outings, lying in wait for the Sydneysiders next weekend.
“This game was decided very early. First minute, bang, one-nil. Fifth minute, bang, two-nil.”
“We spoke before the game about the tactics, we expected that the Mariners would start aggressively, they have a physical team and especially after their last game last week.”
“So, it’s hard to understand.”
“But now we have to show everybody the true Sydney FC character. To make a quick recovery, we analyse the game, make the physical and mental recovery and focus for the following game,” Lavicka said.
