Giraldi was part of the Sky Blues set up earlier in the season, on a short-term deal, when the A-League picture looked far rosier for the club.

The optimism has evaporated since then but Giraldi says people need to examine the facts.

Giraldi, who recently had a very short stint training at Newcastle Jets, told au.fourfourtwo.com today: "Sydney had a good start but I think you look at the team then and the team now and it's almost a different side.

"There's a lot of young guys come into the team and they're learning. Normally you have youngsters coming in one at a time, maybe two, but that hasn't happened. They've all come in at once.

"Sydney have had injuries and suspensions, some bad luck as well.

"The supporters pay their money and they have the right to have their say, but I think Kossie should be given a break."

Giraldi, who hopes to be back in the A-League next season, has also rubbished any suggestion that Sydney's woes can be placed at the door of players who will be playing elsewhere next season.

He said: "That's a load of rubbish. Players are being paid by Sydney FC, they are professionals, they are competitive and they want to win."