There’s a love hate relationship set to come to the boil at Leichhardt Oval on Wednesday night as Sky Blue star Adam Le Fondre prepares to face off against Robbie Fowler’s Brisbane Roar.
An ardent Manchester United fan, Alfie’s hatred for the Red part of Merseyside runs deep, however as a budding striker his admiration for Fowler’s game is second to none.
Come Wednesday night however, Le Fondre will be using all his skill and technique modelled on Fowler to get one over the Liverpool Legend as Sydney FC go after their fourth consecutive FFA Cup Final appearance.
“I disliked him because he played for Liverpool and I was a Manchester United fan growing up,” Le Fondre said.
“Growing up as a United fan you learn to hate Liverpool and have that rivalry, but also as a young boy watching him I couldn’t help but love the way he played, he was such a natural finisher, left foot, right foot or header.
“I always admired him and I tried to model a little bit of my game on him because he was such a good player and I felt I could relate some of his game to mine.
“He’s a massive player in England and for Liverpool, he’s practically a living legend so to come up against his team we have to give our best and take care of business.
“Any chance I can get, being a Manc, to get one over a Scouser is always nice.”
Having tasted the thrills of the FFA Cup in his debut season in 2018, Le Fondre is relishing the chance to get underway in the competition and start another Cup run in 2019.
“It’s going to be a big occasion on Wednesday night because we want to go through,” he said.
“Obviously it’s his [Fowler’s] first manager’s gig as well so he’s going to want a good performance but it’s on us to win the game and implement our plan and go forward with it.”
Sydney FC kick off their 2019 FFA Cup campaign against Brisbane Roar at Leichhardt Oval on Wednesday night (kick off 7:30pm AEST). Pre-purchase your tickets online and be there to back your Sky Blues.
