Coach Graham Arnold wasted no time in preparing for next week’s Hyundai A-League Grand Final, bringing his Sydney FC players in for a huddle on the pitch after defeating Adelaide United on Saturday night.
MATCH REPORT: Sydney FC v Adelaide United
Inside the huddle at Allianz Stadium was star Sky Blue striker Marc Janko.
“The coach congratulated us on our performance and we agreed that we will focus now all-together for next week,” ” the big Austrian told reporters after the game.
An early Bernie Ibini goal and a brace from skipper Alex Brosque either side of half-time had the Sky Blues in cruise control.
Chris Naumoff capping a sublime performance with a late goal to send Sydney FC to their first decider in five years, after the Reds pushed hard late in the game.
“Apart from the last 20 minutes where we were a little bit struggling, it was a very good performance and a well-deserved win.
“No big celebrations tonight because it’s only half way,” he said.
Sydney’s Semi Final win sets up a cracking Grand Final next Sunday between the two teams who finished first and second on the Hyundai A-League ladder.
Victory, as Premiers’ Plate winners, and the form side of the competition post the Asian Cup, the Sky Blues.
“Now it’s all about the final. And we’re looking forward to it,” said Janko, the league’s Golden Boot.
And while the Austrian described the finals series concept as a “different approach” he said the idea was something he was warming to.
“It’s a new experience for me [the Finals Series] but here is different and you Aussies like the big finals, the grand finals to watch.
“I like it and also appreciate that we are a part of it.”
Asked whether there was more pressure on Victory in the Grand Final, given the Victorians have home advantage, Janko took a philosophical view of the season finale.
“Well I think they [Victory] are the favourites but I think also we have showed an impressive away form,” he said.
Sydney FC last won a Hyundai A-League Grand Final five years ago against Melbourne Victory also in the Victorian capital.
“So maybe it’s meant to be that we beat them at their home ground,” he added.
