Speaking for the first time since the Sky Blues captured the Socceroo star, Lavicka also said he would wait until Emerton starts training with the club before deciding if he will hand him the captaincy.

Emerton, Australia's second-most capped player with 87 international appearances, has played most of his career on the right side of midfield or at right back.

The 32-year-old can also play quite comfortably in central midfield or even as an auxiliary striker.

Lavicka is still uncertain what role Emerton would play for Sydney when the season gets under way but it's unlikely he'll be making any drastic changes to his style just to appease his new marquee man.

"He's a team player first," Lavicka said.

"He's a good quality player and he has plenty of engine and ability to do something special in the attacking half - to create chances and score some goals, as he did in previous years for Blackburn.

"We have to find out the right system (for Sydney) and the right spot for him.

"We have other good quality players, we need time to settle and to give players the time to recognise the right way we can play.

"We have time to check everything and set up."

Lavicka said it was still too early to decide if Emerton would be handed the captain's armband for the new season.

Emerton has captained the Socceroos in the past and would definitely have the leadership skills required for the job after playing 11 seasons in Europe.

"It's too early (to talk about the captaincy) ... firstly I'm going to speak to 'Emmo' when he comes here," Lavicka said.

"Of course we need more than one leader in this squad.

"The example of that was last season when we missed a couple of senior players, we missed leadership and it was a problem for us."

Incumbent Sydney skipper Terry McFlynn said he would support whatever decision the club took.

"Being captain of this club is a very proud thing I have in my life and it was an honour and a privilege to take over from Steve Corica," McFlynn said.

"At the end of the day it's the manager's decision.

"But I'll continue to give my all for this club regardless of what my role is in the team."

Emerton will join his new team-mates after Australia's World Cup qualifiers against Thailand and Saudi Arabia and is expected to make his first appearance in the pre-season clash with Perth Glory on September 24.