CLEARING THE CLUTTER

When Sydney FC meet Melbourne Victory in the 2016/17 season climax on Sunday, much of the focus will be on the physical aspects both teams bring to Allianz Stadium.

But Sky Blues coach Graham Arnold believes the right frame of mind could be what tips the balance in his side's favour.

GALLERY: Sydney on Grand Final eve

“The mental aspect is big this week,” said the A-League's newly crowned Coach of the Year.

“We do a lot of work mentally with the players.

“Around social media and media these days there's a lot of negativity we need to remove from the players' brains and minds to make sure they go into a game positive.

“Mike Conway works with the players to make sure mentally they're fresh and they're ready.

“He's not a psychologist – he’s an emotional intelligence coach.

“(He) removes any types of issues that there are and we're ready to play.”

CONFIDENCE, NOT ARROGANCE

The Sydney FC mentor has publicly acknowledged he was unhappy with his own performance last season.

In response, he has worked extensively this season with coaching mentor Bradley Charles Stubbs.

One of the bedrocks of their discussions has been an expect-to-win philosophy.

“I don't think we're bullish,” said Arnold.

“I just think we're confident and expect to win.

“It's what we do every week.

“You couldn't imagine me standing here today saying we expect to lose,” he said.