To see the A-League season launch...

 

The current A-League champions kick off the defence of their title against Melbourne Victory on Saturday at the start of what promises to be long campaign for the club.

They hope the regular season will be followed by finals football and then the Asian Champions League, which is why Lavicka was so keen to play big hitters like Rangers and Blackburn Rovers in pre-season.

"This season we play A-league, finals season (I believe) and then Asian Champions League," Lavicka told au.fourfourtwo.com. "It is a tough season. We needed to play as many good teams as possible before this season."

The Sydney boss lost experienced figures such as John Aloisi, Simon Colosimo and Steve Corica at the end of last season but he is happy with his off season recruiting.

"We lost players but I am happy with the players we have for the (new) season - such as Nicky Carle, (Liam) Reddy and (Scott) Jamieson."

But ask him to identify the key player, star recruit or main strength and the answer is the same.

"For me, the best player in Sydney FC is (the) team. A team working hard, a team with unity and and a team with discipline," he said.

"We hope that we are able to be competitive and play good football this season. We have a responsibility to the Sydney FC fans and Australian fans generally.

"I can't promise we go back to back (titles) but I can promise there will be maximum effort."

Lavicka cannot wait for the opening game against Melbourne but all thoughts of last season's Grand Final have been packed away. This is a fresh challenge.

"It is an exciting start for both teams," he added. "We have a respect for all opponents. That (Grand Final) was history. This is a new season."

To see the A-League season launch...