Okay guys, let’s face it. Whether you like them or not, Sydney FC do have an incredible team on paper. They have some of the best players in the A-League, great coaches and managers, and a great new direction.
For this season, they will still be considered underdogs for finals success. This is because they are still improving after a terrible start to the season. However you can’t rule them out. But for next season I believe they will be a real force to be reckoned with. I mean look at them, look at that team. They definitely have the “bling” again.
Lets have a look at the team. The team boasts a lineup that consists of Del Piero (one of the best Italian players of all time), Brett Emerton, Joel Griffiths and Lucas Neill (Socceroos captain) just to name a few.
Senior Squad List
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Look at that squad. It is one of the best on paper in the league. So why wouldn’t you think they can win?
The game against Melbourne Heart on the weekend will be a good indicator as to how well the ‘A’ team will perform together, as there are no key players out due to suspension or injury.
But a squad doesn’t just need good players. To become a good team and a good club, they need good coaches, managers and CEO. Sydney FC have exactly that. With Tony Pignata as CEO guiding the club a the right direction. Frank Farina as head coach, ensuring the team has the brains and tactical nous. Farina also has other great coaching techniques to bring to the game.
The team consists of a balance of youth and experience with a number of players who could be captain in their own right. Del Piero acts like an on field coach, giving advice and guiding players. Lucas Neill has the experience to captain the team and would be my choice of captain, but he can also control the defence, ensuring that it is a strong collective unit.
The youth of Blake Powell and Terry Antonis provide a fresh and energy full aspect to the team. They are great players with great potential. With the guidance they are receiving at Sydney FC from Frank Farina and senior players such as Del Piero, they can go a long way.
The end of this season is going to be a good indicator for next season. At the rate Sydney FC are going though (only lost twice in past 9 games), I’m going to say that they will be pushing for finals glory.
But is this just the start of a great period? If they continue this success and rate of improvement into the 2013/14 season, they will be the team to beat in the 2013/14 season.
Results of past 9 games
Win, Win, Draw, Loss, Win, Win, Draw, Loss, Win
The 2013/14 season looks great at the moment. Frank Farina has had time to get to know the team and signed an extension to his contract. Del Piero has signed on for another year. The team has a stability they haven’t had for some time.
This is going to be the first full preseason for Del Piero at the Sky Blues, and this is bound to have a positive affect on the start of their campaign. Having a preseason that the whole core of the team for the forthcoming season partakes in, is a benefit. Del Piero will be able to express his ideas and pass on his preseason training advice and experience. The team will have structure and will be able to hit the ground running when the season begins. The team will be able to build on its late form from this season and take a lot of confidence into the new season.
The remainder of this season and the whole of the 2013/14 season is bound to be exciting for Sydney “Bling” FC. With such an incredible team and management, they are bound to be the team to beat. The players and staff look to be falling into place nicely and the club has a direction, a plan, that it is following. The fans of Sydney FC will be proud again. They will come in numbers to cheer on the team and watch the Sky Blue boys play great football.
What do you think? Is Sydney FC the team to beat?
Andrew Smith is an admin of From The Stands AL and a passionate football supporter. You can follow him on Twitter: @A_n_d_r_e_w_S
I agree. It is a great squad on paper. Perhaps the best assembled in Australian domestic football history. What is your starting eleven if they are all available?
Janjetović, Neill, Adam Griffiths, Ryall, Alves, Emerton, McFlynn, Antonis, Del Piero, Powell and Joel Griffiths. 4-3-3 formation