Sydney FC defender Luke Wilkshire said there was no inkling of revenge on the squad’s mind as they prepare face the Mariners at Allianz Stadium on Saturday (kick off 7:50pm AEDT).
The Sky Blues’ fullback said positivity was high within the playing group as he said as long as the club’s high standard were adhered to, the Sky Blues would remain undefeated for the rest of the season.
“We have high standards that we set for ourselves, we’re maintaining them and our biggest challenge is ourselves,” Wilkshire said.
“We’ve got a routine, week in week out we’re doing the same sort of thing preparing game by game.
“Doing the right things [keeps] the positivity there within the group as it has been all season.
“We go game by game, whoever we’re playing we’re looking to win. We prepare to win whether we’re playing the Central Coast or Melbourne or whoever it is, it’s just another opponent.
“We prepare for ourselves, we look after ourselves, our own tactics, our own games. We know if we perform to our ability and stay to our standards then we’ll beat any team in this league.”
Reflecting on the departure of defensive partner Seb Ryall, Wilkshire wished the former Sky Blue well on his endeavours outside of football.
“Seb is a fantastic guy, I’ve only known him a short time since I’ve come but in that short time I really got a good feel for the kind of guy he is and what he’s done for the club here,” Wilkshire said.
“It was a shock, disappointing for us to lose such a person and player but in life there’s things that go beyond football.
“I think it’s great the club dealt with it the way they did, allowing him to pursue his wishes. As a club and personally we wish him all the best.
“It was in his feeling and opinion to do what he wanted to do and it was great we could support him.”
Sydney FC take on Central Coast Mariners at ‘Fortress’ Allianz Stadium on Saturday 20 January (kick off 7:50pm AEDT). Be there to back your Sky Blues.
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