With the Sky Blues only four points off first place, and facing the ladder leaders on Sunday, Sydney FC defender Nikola Petkovic has likened the remaining five games of the season as grand finals as he chases his first silverware in Australia.
After losing for the first time in nine matches at the weekend, Petkovic is confident the Sky Blues can return to winning ways as they travel to Wellington for the first time this Hyundai A-League season.
“The final five are really tough games,” he said.
“Four away and against Wellington twice and Perth and Newcastle away, they are very tough but if we want to be Champions then we have to deal with everything.
“We lost [at the weekend] but that is football, maybe it is a good time for it to happen. Now we have five finals and we play against the top of the league on Sunday.
“It’s all about us and we have enough quality and with a bit of luck we can do something,” he continued.
“If we concentrate on us then I think it is the best way to do something [win the Championship] so I hope we will win the league.”
Petkovic lauded the Sky Blues squad as they welcome Shane Smeltz back to the starting line up in place of Marc Janko, and the Serbian stalwart was quick to praise Smeltz as the Kiwi looks to build on his six goals from 16 appearances this season.
“Marc scores a lot of goals in the last few weeks and is very important for us but Shane Smeltz is not someone who is a replacement,” he said.
“He is a really top player and I’m happy to see him on the pitch on Sunday because he really is a great player.
“We need to work very hard on Sunday and give our best and with a bit of luck we will come back with three points.
“Hopefully we can do something like when we played West Ham United [at Westpac Stadium], it’s always good when you beat a team from the Premier League.”
Sydney FC take on table toppers Wellington Phoenix on Sunday (kick off 3pm AEDT) before returning to Allianz Stadium next week to face Adelaide United in the Sky Blues final home match of the 2014/15 season. Purchase tickets today or become a Member and ensure you don’t miss a moment of action.
Sydney FC’s next home game is against Adelaide United on Saturday 4th April at Allianz Stadium (kick off 7.30pm). Purchase tickets today or become a Member and ensure you don’t miss a moment of Hyundai A-League action by heading to www.ticketek.com.au/sydneyfc
