While sitting lower on the table than the Sky Blues and boasting a new coach, Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold believes Adelaide United still pose the same threat as always ahead of Friday night’s clash at Coopers Stadium (kick of 7:40pm AEDT).
Arnold compared the Reds most recent starting eleven to the one that the Sky Blues dispatched in the 2014/15 Finals Series but was wary of the impact Amor is starting to have on his squad following Adelaide’s win at the weekend.
“I think there’s no difference. If you look at their starting lineup last week it was nearly exactly the same starting lineup as what [former Head Coach Josep] Gombau had,” said Arnold.
“It’s hard to judge and hard to speak from here, but watching them play there is a difference and I think maybe people underestimate the loss of Josep [Gombau].
“Everyone is different, you can’t replicate the same coaches. You’re working with humans, and they have different personalities, characters, different ways of doing things, and Amor has come in and he’s building.
“He’s getting his stamp of approval with what he wants with that team but they’re still a very dangerous team and we have to be at our best tomorrow night.”
Arnold heaped praise on Slovakian International Filip Holosko following his form at Allianz Stadium against the Jets as he welcomed the news that the fan boycott has ceased following talks between the FFA and supporter groups overnight.
“I’ve got nothing but praise for Filip,” Arnold said.
“Being an ex-striker myself I used to worry if I wasn’t getting chances, if he’s getting chances that means his runs are good, he’s getting in the right spot at the right time and it’s just a matter of putting one a way.
“I’m very happy with Filip, he’s working hard, he’s getting stronger and adapting more to the climate, hard fields, all those types of things that are underestimated in the A-League.
“It’s great news, that the boycott is over,” Arnold continued.
“The fans are back which is great news for all the players and obviously for the sport. It wasn’t pretty last weekend but obviously there’s been a resolution and it’s great to see.
I think the game will be healthier and much better for that positive news.”
Sydney FC travel to face Adelaide United on Friday night at Coopers Stadium (kick off 7:40pm AEDT). Catch the game live on Fox Sports 4, listen live on ABC Grandstand or follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for updates.
Sydney FC are next in action at Allianz Stadium on Boxing Day against the Central Coast Mariners (kick off 7:30pm). Purchase your tickets now and be in attendance for our festive clash.
