Following the completion of their Asian Champions League round of 16 matches against Shandong Luneng FC in May, Sydney FC will enter the off-season with an urgency to rectify their squad following a disappointing 2015-16.
The Sky Blues had an underwhelming A-League campaign on the back of inconsistency and poor run of form. Compounded by injuries to captain Alex Brosque, ACL commitments and a lack of attacking options, Sydney struggled throughout the season and settled for seventh position on the table.
The upcoming break will be crucial for capturing an ambition for 2016-17 silverware or ACL qualification, a target set by Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow.
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Preseason productivity is essential
On the back of strong showing throughout the 2014-15 season, Graham Arnold had allowed many of his foreigners an extended break. Names including Mickael Tavares, Jacques Faty and Milos Dimitrijevic arrived later then the return of the main team, disrupting the rhythm of the camp and carrying injuries and fitness issues.
The utilisation of a preseason can be make or break for any A-League side. Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe and Newcastle Jets’ Scott Miller on the Fox Sports round table, had agreed that a well organised and productive build up was a significant component into a team’s structure and form when beginning a new A-League season.
Dimitrijevic, a shadow of himself compared to 2014-15, was signed with the limited cap space available. Following Sydney FC’s defeat in the Grand Final last year, the Serbian had turned down a new contract at the end of 2014-15, only to return without signing for a new club in Europe later in the preseason.
He failed to operate fluently within Sydney FC’s spine throughout the season, arriving under a cloud of injury. Dimitrijevic slowly integrated arguably until the arrival of the ACL campaign, with his goal against Guangzhou Evergrande clinching victory over the previous competition champions.
Although blame cannot solely be attributed to the 32-year-old, the underperformance of Sydney FC’s foreigners over the duration of the season contributed to the side’s demise. In February, Graham Arnold had conceded that he had underperformed in his coaching responsibilities within team selections, as well as allowing his squad a further break in preseason, with the late arrival of the ‘visa’ players largely disrupting tactics and structure.
Adding pace in attack
Sydney’s attack was largely void of significant players applying penetrating and quick runs in-behind the opponent. While Filip Holosko’s 10 goals and four assists is no contribution to scoff at, Arnold had not successfully replaced Bernie Ibini’s contribution, with a wide, direct and pacy attacker.
Combine this with a use of an ineffective Shane Smeltz, a physical Matt Simon and a inexperienced George Blackwood as the operating strikers, Sydney was largely devoid of a threatening striker. Over the season the attackers would operate by moving central in the penalty box, with a glaring lack of width from wingers/fullbacks making runs behind opposition defences.
Fullback cover
The loss of Alex Gersbach to Norwegian club Rosenborg BK within the January Window forced Sydney FC to play with a departing Ali Abbas (returning from serious injury) Rhyan Grant (a more suited right=footed midfielder or right-back), or the inexperienced Riley Woodcock. The club’s attacking structure revolves around its ability to pack the attacking-third with wingers tucking into the centre, with width provided by flanking fullbacks.
In the past week, Arnold has signed Michael Zullo to cover its left-flank, with the former Melbourne City man able to play in left-back or higher up the pitch. It is possible with extra cap room Sydney will also sign additional cover in the fullback positions.
Experience in central positions
A challenge for the title next season will count on experienced players balancing what is currently a young Sky Blue squad. If successful in the upcoming ACL matches against Shandong Luneng FC, Arnold will rely on his experienced players later on to attempt for continental glory.
The return of Brosque from injury is key for Sydney FC’s need for experience, especially in the attacking front third . The recent signing of Alex Wilkinson, a shrewd signing also from Melbourne City, will replace the departing Faty in the centre of defence and add significant experience in Arnold’s defensive structure.
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