Sydney FC manager Graham Arnold is keen to make the most of his team’s friendly against Tottenham Hotspur last night, hoping that the Sky Blues will be able to gain first hand experience in London from the English Premier League club.
Spurs triumphed 1-0 over Sydney FC in front over 70,000 fans at ANZ stadium, ending their post-season tour on a high.
For Graham Arnold, the occasion also presented the opportunity to forge a partnership with the visiting Tottenham, and he was not short of praise for Argetinian manager Mauricio Pochettino.
“He is a really, really nice guy [and] I just talked to him about building relationships. Obviously, we are right around the other side of the world and it’s hard to get opportunities to visit clubs in the UK,” he said.
“I just finished off today asking if there would be an opportunity for Sydney FC, our coaching staff, to go over and see what they do, to learn some professional development.
“You’re talking about one of the best coaches in Europe and the staff that he’s got and the amount of young boys they bring through it would be a great opportunity for us.”
The highlight of the match was undoubtedly Harry Kane’s goal in the 43rd minute, which was produced by a classy counter-attack from the visiting Spurs.
Arnold, along with a crowd filled with delighted Tottenham fans, was impressed by the 21-year-old’s threat in front of goal.
“He’s a class act, isn’t he? What a great professional,” he said.
“He’s kid, only 21 years old. They played in Malaysia only two nights ago and they have travelled all the way to Australia and probably still have jet lag in their legs.
“He could have played only forty five minutes and strolled around, we’ve seen that before, but he’s come out here and he’s given his all for eighty minutes. He was special to watch.”
The match was also an opportunity for some Sky Blues youngsters to have a taste of what it is like to play against the best in the world, with Alex Gersbach, Aaron Calver, Hagi Gligor and Christopher Naumoff all featuring against a Spurs line-up that boasted stars such as Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela.
“I am extremely proud of the players. We threw a lot of young boys out there and that’s what it is all about,” Arnold said.
“I think they handled the occasion perfectly and it’s something for them to build on for next year.
“Moving forward, if you can handle those types of situations and you’re only 17, 18 and you are coming through the Australian system and the A-League, if you can come up and play against those types of quality players, it holds you in good stead for the future.”
The Sky Blues can also look forward to a star studded clash against English Premier League champions Chelsea FC this Tuesday.
Senegalese defender Jaques Faty will be available for the clash, and Arnold has also ensured that a host of senior Sydney players will also feature against Jose Mourinho’s side.
“We have recovery tomorrow and a light session on Monday. There might be a little bit of fatigue, but once you walk on that pitch and see Chelsea in front of you [with] 80,000 odd people in the stands, that fatigue will go away and the adrenalin will kick in.”
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
