For all the talk this preseason, it’s time to put those words into action now according to new Vice-Captain Shane Smeltz as he sets his sights on Melbourne City at Allianz Stadium in round one of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season tomorrow (kick off 7:30pm).
Smeltz believes with the new additions to the squad this season that the Sky Blues have the capacity to go one better than last year as he said to expect goals with plenty of talent in the front third of the field.
“We’ve done enough talking really of how we feel, how we’re going to do,” Smeltz said.
“We just want to get out there and play now. It’s been a long time, three months preparation, so we’re definitely ready and just looking at the boys they’re itching to play.
“I think we have improved, we think we’ve got a better squad, a more balanced and mobile squad. It’s another year with Arnie, another year with the boys and the longer we spend together the better we get.
“We’ve got the players in this squad who can play in two or three positions so we’ve got a lot of variety. We’ve got goals all throughout the squad and that’s a real positive for us.
“We’ve got unbelievable players who can create and score and when you’ve got a handful of players who can score in the front third then you’re always going to get goals.”
Sitting second in the all-time goal scorers list with 85 goals, Smeltz has the chance to be the first player to reach 100 league goals, however it’s a stat the Kiwi international isn’t fazed by as he spoke of the honour at being named Vice-Captain.
“At some point that would be nice [100 goals] but I’m not focussing on that, I’m just focussing on this weekend,” he said.
“We’re hungry for this weekend, we’re not really focussed about what’s happening in 10 weeks’ time or at the back end of the season.
“It’s nice, it was a surprise for me and Jacques to be named [Vice Captain] yesterday,” he continued.
“This is a massive club and it’s a huge honour to be in that position. Nothing changes, we’re obviously seen as leaders at the club and we’ll continue to do that.”
Sydney FC kick off the season at home against Melbourne City at Allianz Stadium tomorrow night (kick off 7:30pm). Become a Member or purchase tickets today and ensure you never miss a moment of action this season.
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