What Decline? Corica says Sydney Reaching 'Best Form'

Sydney FC are on the verge of returning to top form, says coach Steve Corica, as the Sky Blues prepare for their title defence later this month.
Steve Corica is confident his A-League premiers will be ready for finals football in spite of their 1-1 draw with Brisbane that stretched their winless run to four matches.

Sydney FC have just one more regular season match against Western United on Saturday to find form and end their worst run of results over four years.

The Sky Blues needed to come from behind on Monday to earn a share of the spoils with youngster Luke Ivanovic equalising late in the first half in Newcastle.

But there are promising signs for Corica's men who enjoyed increased possession against the Roar as the match progressed, with their opponents indebted to goalkeeper Jamie Young for a couple of superb second-half saves.

"I think I can turn it (our form) around very quickly," Corica said after Monday's match.

"I think the last couple of matches we have shown we are back to our best with the ball, especially in the second half (against Brisbane).

"It is just about finishing teams off and creating a few more chances.

"It is like the start of the season, and you slowly build up to your best form - we are not quite there yet, but we are getting closer."

Sydney FC resumed after the COVID-enforced break with a scratchy win over Wellington Phoenix, before defeats against Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City, followed by a draw against Adelaide United.

The Sky Blues conclude their home-and-away season against Western United at Leichhardt Oval, where they will be presented with the premiership trophy in one of the few A-League matches where fans will be permitted to attend.

"It is another massive game against Western because they really need to win," Corica said.

"All the boys need to be prepared for that, and if they want to get a spot in the starting side for the semi-final, they have to perform."

Corica said captain Alex Wilkinson and playmaker Milos Ninkovic were both rested from the starting line-up against the Roar and intimated both will return for the team's regular season finale.

Sydney FC are also set to be boosted by the return of Rhyan Grant for the match after the attacking fullback missed the last few matches with a groin strain.
(c) AAP

August 11, 2020