SYDNEY FC have called in the cavalry to boost their injury-depleted ranks with the club today finalising a short-term deal with former Adelaide United striker, Dez Giraldi.
Fresh from a stint with Wollongong Wolves in the NSW Premier League, Giraldi has signed a six week contract to cover for the absence of injured attacker, Brendon Santalab, one of three Sydney strikers currently out of action for the club.
“When you take injury replacements then you don’t bring in kids that you want to trial that you don’t know anything about,” said John Kosmina. “You want to replace a like for like preferably and Santa’s got a bit of experience, so does Dezi.”
The move to Sydney FC will see Giraldi re-unite with his former coach Kosmina who mentored the Illawarra product during his time at Adelaide.
“It makes the transition a little bit easier because, knowing the coaches and some of the players, I wasn’t as nervous coming in,” Giraldi explained.
While he’s only on a short-term contract, the 22-year-old is excited to have another crack at the A-League, and keen to make the most of his time with Sydney.
“It’s my turn to have a change of luck," he said "I’ve had such bad luck in the last two years, I guess this is my turn and I’ll try and make the most of that, fingers crossed.”
Kosmina added: “I brought Dezi in because he was available, but also because he’s a very good player.
"I rated him while I was in Adelaide, he’s had a bit of misfortune with injuries and things but now he’s got himself healthy and it’s a good opportunity for him.”
Giraldi is likely to make his debut for Sydney FC in Sunday’s Pre-Season Cup clash with the Central Coast Mariners.
The club is still considering short-term replacements for injured marquee star, John Aloisi and American midfielder, Mike Enfield.
The move to bring in Giraldi has infuriated his boss John Turner at title-chasing Wollongong Wolves.
"It's a massive blow for our campaign ... gut-wrenching," Turner told the Illawarra Mercury. "I would have loved 10 days more with Dezi - if we didn't have him for the finals series, so be it.
"If we were second from the bottom fine, let him go, but we're in the race for a title here. I think its pretty unfair on the kid - everyone wants to be part of a championship team."
He added: "I wish Dezi all the best - I have nothing but praise for him.
"This is not about Dezi Giraldi, it is about John Kosmina - Dezi's two weeks from a championship and they want him to play in a preseason game ... give me a break."
“When you take injury replacements then you don’t bring in kids that you want to trial that you don’t know anything about,” said John Kosmina. “You want to replace a like for like preferably and Santa’s got a bit of experience, so does Dezi.”
The move to Sydney FC will see Giraldi re-unite with his former coach Kosmina who mentored the Illawarra product during his time at Adelaide.
“It makes the transition a little bit easier because, knowing the coaches and some of the players, I wasn’t as nervous coming in,” Giraldi explained.
While he’s only on a short-term contract, the 22-year-old is excited to have another crack at the A-League, and keen to make the most of his time with Sydney.
“It’s my turn to have a change of luck," he said "I’ve had such bad luck in the last two years, I guess this is my turn and I’ll try and make the most of that, fingers crossed.”
Kosmina added: “I brought Dezi in because he was available, but also because he’s a very good player.
"I rated him while I was in Adelaide, he’s had a bit of misfortune with injuries and things but now he’s got himself healthy and it’s a good opportunity for him.”
Giraldi is likely to make his debut for Sydney FC in Sunday’s Pre-Season Cup clash with the Central Coast Mariners.
The club is still considering short-term replacements for injured marquee star, John Aloisi and American midfielder, Mike Enfield.
The move to bring in Giraldi has infuriated his boss John Turner at title-chasing Wollongong Wolves.
"It's a massive blow for our campaign ... gut-wrenching," Turner told the Illawarra Mercury. "I would have loved 10 days more with Dezi - if we didn't have him for the finals series, so be it.
"If we were second from the bottom fine, let him go, but we're in the race for a title here. I think its pretty unfair on the kid - everyone wants to be part of a championship team."
He added: "I wish Dezi all the best - I have nothing but praise for him.
"This is not about Dezi Giraldi, it is about John Kosmina - Dezi's two weeks from a championship and they want him to play in a preseason game ... give me a break."
Related Articles
Last Socceroos World Cup home qualifier location confirmed
Canberra hoping for 2022 Matildas matches
