Sydney FC is fighting off distractions on a number of fronts as it attempts to focus on the first leg of the major semi-final against Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Thursday night.
The Sky Blues flew out of Sydney on Wednesday still digesting the news skipper Steve Corica will not play for them again and goalkeeper Clint Bolton is departing for new Hyundai A-League franchise Melbourne Heart.
Throw in the lingering controversy surrounding Terry McFlynn’s crude tackle on Robbie Kruse in last Sunday’s minor premiership showdown – not to mention uncertainty over the futures of Karol Kisel and Simon Colosimo – and Sydney players could be forgiven for having their minds elsewhere.
But according to striker Alex Brosque, his side is rolling with the punches.
“We’re a very together squad so while there’s been a few things happening this week, it’s not getting to us,” he told Sportal shortly before departing for Melbourne.
“It’s been hard to swallow the news about Stevie but he came off early (last Sunday) and Karol Kisel slotted into that position, so it’s not as if we have to do a major reshuffle.”
“As for Clint it’s very sad he’s going. But it’s been talked about for a couple of weeks so the boys knew the announcement was coming.”
“He’s a real professional and won’t let that distract him.”
“We won’t expect anything different from him. He will continue the way he’s been playing.”
“It’s probably motivating him even more to go out with a grand final win.”
Just where Kisel and Colosimo will end up next year is not so certain.
The Slovak comes off contract in a month while Colosimo continues to be linked with Heart.
“Karol’s been very good for us and we certainly don’t take him for granted. We know how much he brings to the side and I’d love to see him stay,” Brosque said.
“Simon’s been a big part of why we’ve been so solid at the back, so they’d be two big losses if we can’t hold on to them.”
“But if we are to have a number of players leaving us, what better way to go out than with a grand final win.”
Melbourne has endured plenty of distractions itself, with Kruse’s season-ending injury compounding the short-term loss of Archie Thompson.
And the Victory remain upset they will be forced to play the second leg of the semi-final on March 7 and not a day or two earlier as hoped, further congesting an already crowded schedule.
