Sydney FC’s first premiership was greeted with muted celebration on Sunday night as the Sky Blues immediately turned their attention to the fast-approaching finals series.
The Hyundai A-League’s first-past-the-post champions have just four days to recover from their historic 2-0 win over Melbourne before meeting the Victory in the first leg of the major semi-final at Etihad Stadium on Thursday night.
“We reach great success but the season is still going,” coach Vitezslav Lavicka pointed out.
“There is no time for a party because we have another game straight away.”
“We will (be) back at training on Monday.”
It’s a shame the tight A-League schedule doesn’t allow for Sydney to celebrate what was a memorable night at the SFS, buzzing with a season-best crowd of 25,407.
They saw two wonder goals either side of half-time – one from Karol Kisel and the other from John Aloisi – sink a gallant Melbourne team desperately searching for answers after going three games winless against Sydney this year.
“We scored two fantastic goals today. Everyone worked very hard from the first whistle to the last one,” Lavicka said.
“We played organised but I have to say the opponent was still dangerous.”
“I am happy because when I came here and (met) first time with the team, we spoke about the target, the season goal.”
“I have to say the players did very well. Sydney FC have a great captain, skilful players and very good character.”
“We focused bit by bit, step by step, round by round.”
Lavicka put the title win alongside his achievements as a player and coach in the Czech Republic, declaring: “A great experience here. I said before I’m enjoying it here because I met great people, nice people.”
“Players, all staff, fans, people in Sydney … I’m happy, I’m enjoying.”
“I reach the Championship in Czech Republic with Sparta Prague and I played Champions League as a player and as a coach, but first overseas title (is special).”
The only negative for Sydney was the loss of skipper Steve Corica with a hamstring injury after just 18 minutes.
He is unlikely to play on Thursday night but didn’t look too concerned as happy fans chanted in the rain outside the press conference.
“We’re very, very happy we’ve got the minor premiership – first time for the club,” Corica said.
“The boys worked very, very hard today (and) two fantastic goals.”
“We’re confident going into the finals.”
“We’re halfway there of what we’re trying to achieve.”
