The Sydney FC NYL side heads into the match against Perth Glory this weekend optimistic they will learn from the defeat against the Central Coast Mariners last weekend.
The Sydney FC NYL side heads into the match against Perth Glory this weekend optimistic they will learn from the defeat against the Central Coast Mariners last weekend.
Reflecting on the defeat, striker Caleb Rufer said, “Perhaps we were a bit too complacent. We-d started the previous two games really well, but we were slow out of the blocks.”
“Crookie (Ian Crook) told us they-d come out hard from the start and they caught us off guard,” he added.
The Sydney FC attacker was quick to point out that the spirit amongst the squad was still high and that they were very confident of bouncing back.
“There-s a really strong bond in the squad, they-re a great group of guys. We were surprised by the result on Saturday, but we-re ready to go to Perth, step up and give everything we-ve got,” Rufer suggested.
Perth Glory have won two and drawn one and are currently atop the National Youth League table and are sure to provide a stern test for Sydney FC.
Moving forward from the defeat by the Mariners, Rufer was confident that the Sky Blues would learn from their mistakes in that match.
“We need to play from the start and at a higher intensity. We will be better prepared mentally. It-s important to have the right attitude and to give it everything,” he said.
“It-s our first away game and they-re on top of the table, so it-ll be a great test against a very good side,” he added.
Rufer said that he and his teammates were determined to not let the same mistakes happen again. “We will learn from the defeat and put it behind us,” he said. “This is a chance to prove ourselves.”
The fixture also holds special significance on a personal level for the German born New Zealander.
“It-ll be a special moment for me. My mother is from Perth and I have a lot of family over there. I haven-t seen them for a while, but they will all be there to see me play. I-ll definitely still be looking to get a result for us, though!”
Perth Glory V Sydney FC
Sunday, November 13
6PR Stadium
Kickoff: 1pm AEDT
