Sydney FC Head Coach Graham Arnold has stressed the importance of having a strong mental attitude ahead of tonight’s massive Westfield FFA Cup round of 16 tie.
The Sky Blues take on Sydney United 58 FC in the headline act of this round of the Cup and Arnold has told his squad to prepare for the match as they would were they facing the Western Sydney Wanderers in round two of the Hyundai A-League.
“We’ve got to turn up with a perfect attitude,” Arnold said.
“I’ve told them to prepare like it’s the Western Sydney Wanderers round 2 at Allianz Stadium.
“It’s an important game for the club and again for me it’s an interesting game to see the character and mentality of some of my players,” he continued.
“All the ducks won’t be in one row because it’s a synthetic field, different balls than what we’re used to and it’s going to take a bit of mental toughness to remove those small obstacles.”
Arnold said he’s pleased with the manner that Sydney FC have approached their preseason, winning eight out of their 10 games, and is impressed with the way his squad have adhered to his style and structure.
“I’m very happy with where we’re at structurally,” said Arnold.
“The boys are doing very well and we’re just fine tuning things now.
“I hope we win eight out of the 10 A-League games because there are no trophies for preseason,” he continued.
“The most important thing is that we’re consistent, turn up with the right attitude to please our fans and our supporters, and do the club proud and that’s what I demand every game.”
For Arnold it will be a homecoming of sorts, with the former Socceroo returning to the ground where he made a name for himself, however he said that any fond memories of his time at Edensor Park will be expunged until after the final whistle.
“I’m very grateful for the time I had out at Sydney Croatia and the wonderful people I met during my time out there,” he said.
“Football is football though. Its business and the most important thing on my mind at the moment is Sydney FC.”
Gates open tonight at Sydney United Sport Centre, Edensor Park at 6pm with the final matchday of the Westfield FFA Cup round of 16 kicking off at 7:30pm. The match being followed by the live draw for the quarter finals of the competition.
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