TIME to toss the dice...
Part One (written on Saturday, prior to kick off against Newcastle)
One of the great truths of football is that things are never as good, or as bad as they seem. When I wrote last, we were undefeated and top of the table. Two games later, a loss tomorrow could see us decisively mid-pack.
Over the last two weeks, the difference between defeat and victory, can probably be summed up by Lavicka's words in today's Herald: John Aloisi is a great player but... The 'but' being that the Gold Coast had a striker in outrageous form and North Queensland have Robbie Fowler.
Frankly, even John's best form in the sky blue has been neither outrageous or godlike. Against North Queensland, John fluffed his lines terribly at the very moment he was needed to turn the match for Sydney. He's apparently now injured.
The good news is that the club is looking for someone to fill the guest marquee spot. The game against North Queensland demonstrated all of the reasons that Sydney need one.
While my colleague Con Stamacostas was quick to blast the 'Euro-snobs' that came to see Fowler, the message that an extra 10,000 people sent to those who run Sydney FC must still be ringing in their ears. Someone who can do the job on the field would be handy too.
But the marquee/striker issue aside, things are not as bad as they seem. Under Lavicka, Sydney are still a fit, ball-playing side that maintain their shape. The players clearly know the system and work hard for each other. We found the winning habit. These are good things to have in the locker.
But the reason that coaches work on fitness and systems is not to constrain players, but to liberate them. Once a player knows what his teammates are going to do, he is liberated of the need to worry about them.
He's free to take his man on and fit enough to beat him. Free to hit that raking ball to the winger that's already running in anticipation. Free to toss the dice, try the chance, take the mickey, entertain the fans.
In light of the last two weeks, we would all take a win of any sort over Newcastle. But I think it's time for the players to build on the work they have done and take the next step up. Trust the system, toss the dice and have some fun.
Part 2 (written after the 2-1 win over the Jets)
The previous paragraphs were written on Saturday as a match preview. I've taken the opportunity to add some post-match comments. Serendipitously, we are once again on top of the table.
Whilst Sydney didn't quite toss the dice, we did more than enough to secure the three points. In a rugged match, it was fitness and shape that set Sydney apart, and speed on the counter-attack that resulted in both Bridges great goal and the penalty.
With half of the first-team in the stands or in Cyprus, our old heads stood up to be counted. Simon Colosimo played his best A-league game in probably 3 years - he was everywhere and was likely short-changed in the man of the match announcement.
Similarly, Corica showed great signs that he may do a Yorkie and move back to a classic central midfield position. I think we look better when we have a midfielder who is comfortable on the ball, and Corica gave us a bit of composure that may have been missing in that part of the field previously. And finally, King Clint - it was great to see the Cove singing his name throughout the match.
We didn't quite play with the freedom and sense of liberation that fans are yearning to see, but we were still good value for our three points. I have a feeling that the complete performance might be just around the corner.
