Ante Juric is not shying away from the challenge facing the two-time reigning Ninja A-League champions but the Sydney FC head coach has “no doubt” the Sky Blues will make it through the other side.
Sydney are in unfamiliar territory as they languish at the foot of the standings heading into Saturday’s blockbuster Big Blue against rivals Melbourne Victory at Allianz Stadium.
After losing CommBank Matildas star Cortnee Vine as well as Jada Whyman and Charlotte McLean among others, the new-look Sky Blues have only won one of their opening seven fixtures heading into Round 8.
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“It’s a tough challenge,” Juric told reporters. “Obviously I’m not happy with where we are.
“As a coach I’ve got to look into how to change things around. I thought we’d be in a better position right now but again it’s a challenge for me. It’s on my shoulders because the girls are working hard and doing the right things. It’s a little bit of luck.
“I’ve got to get them in a better place as individuals and a team. It’s definitely on me in terms of that. We’re working on it and the girls are putting 100% in.
“I’ve got no doubt, my belief is extremely high that we will get out of this tough challenge because of the players we have and the strength in culture in the club.”
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Sydney were beaten 2-0 by in-form Wellington Phoenix last week, with their sole win in 2024-25 coming against cross-town rivals Western Sydney Wanderers on November 16.
Since that 1-0 win over the Wanderers, Sydney have gone four matches without a victory, losing three games on the bounce.
“I’m not going to say it’s perfect football because we’re still grinding, it’s not beautiful,” Juric said when asked if he was happy with his team’s performances. “In saying that, the last five games I’ll take that as an example – I believe we should’ve won that all five.
“That’s because we’ve missed chances and given away simple goals. When I reflect on that, I’m thinking yeah I have huge belief. In saying that, we need to fix those little errors.”
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Quizzed as to whether he thought Sydney have lost their “aura”, Juric replied: “Not worried about it because that’s down to other people.
“Obviously we’ve lost some players and even now we’re losing (injured) Hana (Lowry). That’s something other teams have to reflect on, not me.
“We go out and play every team like we have to. If they think we’re the biggest team in the world and then they play and they’re scared that’s up to them. If now they don’t, that’s up to them.
“… I’m super confident. If they do think that, then they’re in a bit of strife down the track because we will come good.”
Sydney captain Nat Tobin is also adamant the Sky Blues can rally their way into the Finals Series.
As it stands, the defending champions are five points outside of the top six and 13 points adrift of league-leading Melbourne City.
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“Yeah for sure. It’s still so early,” Tobin said when asked if qualifying for the finals was still realistic.
“Last season, we were going to win the Premiership and missed out (to Melbourne City) on the last day.
“I remember we went through massive lulls. All teams are dropping points at different stages.
“Definitely finals. It’s top six as well, it’s definitely a realistic expectation.
“If we don’t make it, I’d be hugely disappointed. We can get there, we’re one win away from being in form.”
