To see behind the scenes at Sydney's training...

Coach Frank Farina believed the change would ensure his side had the best preparation possible in the lead-up to Queensland’s biggest domestic football match in over 10 years.

“It’s something I’ve thought a lot about and going into a big game at home, you like to control the environment that you’re in,” said Farina.

“You’re getting the players in, then they’re eating what you put in front of them and sleeping at the time you specify. They also get their massages and are looked after. Some of the boys have kids and are kept up into the wee hours of the night, so it’s an environment that we can control and know that we’ve put them in with the best chance possible to win the game.

“It’s a big one – our last home game for the season too. The mood is fantastic and the boys are buoyant; we’ve deliberately tried to keep this build-up as low-key as we can. The pressure is going to come tomorrow when the whistle blows, so we didn’t want to put too much on them in the week leading up to the match.

“It’s been really good and everyone is looking forward to getting back out on the park.”

After announcing his retirement from the national team following the Socceroos 3-0 thumping of Qatar in Melbourne, Queensland Roar skipper Craig Moore arrived back in town to prepare for the club’s crucial clash against Sydney FC tonight.

While the national team was in cruise control, slipping three goals past Qatar in the opening half, Farina said he was hopeful of his star player returning home healthy and happy.

“I haven’t had the chance to talk to Craig yet, but I don’t think he would’ve been taxed too much, particularly in the first half,” said Farina.

“I thought Australia played really well, but thankfully he didn’t have to get through a real lot of work. He’s an important part of our team, our structure and our leadership group. We have on occasions missed his leadership and talk on the park; he’s vital for us.”

While World Cup goal-scorer Moore is focusing only on the task now at hand, Farina praised the defender and his contribution to the game.

“I think he still has more to offer the national team, but from our perspective it’s good because he’ll be purely focusing on the club,” said Farina.

“But Craig Moore has been there and done that and now lived a very long football career. If he’s made that decision then we all have to respect it and he’ll bow out of the national team with his head held high knowing that he’s achieved what generations of Australian footballers before him never got the chance to in the World Cup.

“He’s bowed out on his terms and if he’s happy, I’m happy.”

Roar Physio Tony Ganter spoke with Moore to assess his physical condition after the Qatar match and all indications are that he has recovered well from the game.

“Craig told me he felt good and we will do everything we can to help him recover further. We’ve organized a massage for him and he’ll join the rest of the squad at the hotel on Friday morning,” Ganter said.

To see behind the scenes at Sydney's training...