That will be the blunt message to his players this week ahead of another tough encounter against the in-form Adelaide United on Saturday night at the SFS.

The Czech supremo admitted times were tough with the reigning A-League champions but is upbeat if they can return to last season’s ethic of personal discipline.

“We are going through a difficult period," he told au.fourfourtwo.com after Sydney FC's community coaching program at Macquarie University.

"But every team around the world has a problem [every now and then]. The season is long now and we have troubles in the early season but I still believe in the players and the squad.

“But we have to turn back to the basics.”

Those basics centre around self discipline – a cornerstone of the Lavicka philosophy that helped net last season’s double-winning campaign.

Late in Saturday’s controversial 1-1 draw with NSW neighbours Central Coast Mariners, four Sydney FC players were yellow carded in quick succession in an extraordinary display of petulance.

Lavicka fumed on the sidelines and remonstrated with his players to cut out the indiscipline. A repeat of that this weekend against the Reds could spell danger again.

The Czech mentor will be reminding his charges of that this week as he seeks to rediscover what made Sydney FC such a powerful force last season.

Another aspect is retaining possession. Last season Sydney's discipline with the ball was a real feature, but not so this season, giving the team plenty to work on this week at Macquarie Uni.

“I spoke with them straight after the game and tomorrow morning (Tuesday) we’ll have game analysis and be focusing on this," added Lavicka.

“I was surprised but I understand players were frustrated. I was as a player as well, but players must stay calm and focusing on their job only. This is not the right way to be successful.

“Without discipline there is no chance to be successful.”