Kosmina defends big-spending Sydney FC

Sydney FC coach John Kosmina admits the A-League club is, to a certain extent, trying to buy back the title but says spending big to win big is part and parcel of modern day sport.

Sydney unveiled John Aloisi, Mark Bridge and Simon Colosimo as their new star signings yesterday, with 32-year-old Aloisi believed to be on a contract worth $1.4 million a year for two years.

The deal would make him the highest-paid Australia-based footballer in any of the four codes.

“You’ve always got to buy good quality players to get success – the biggest clubs in the world do it,” Kosmina said.

“Look at Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United or Arsenal.

“Did the Central Coast buy success when they bought Aloisi? Yes, they did because if it wasn’t for him they wouldn’t have made the grand final.

“Did Newcastle buy success when they signed Joel Griffiths? Yes, they did because if it wasn’t for Griffiths, Newcastle wouldn’t have made the grand final.

“That’s how sport is at this level. Look at rugby union pinching rugby league players. It’s what makes the world go round.”

Kosmina played a key role in bringing Aloisi, Bridge and Colosimo across and said he was still on the look-out for a few more recruits, including a natural left-sided midfielder, as Sydney looked to relive the success of 2005-06 when they won the inaugural A-League title.

“When they all became available they were the first three I wanted,” he said of the highly-rated trio.

“I’ve been trying to get Johnny for a couple of years because I know what he’s capable of, both on and off the field.

“With me it’s not always about the playing aspect of it – it’s about personalities. These three players have all got the right personalities.”

The former Adelaide United mentor said there was still plenty of work to be done to complete the new-look squad, which will likely include 20 or 21 players – less than permitted maximum 23 – as Sydney embarked on a new era of recruiting quality rather than quantity.

“Ufuk Talay’s gone, Mark Rudan’s gone, Ruben Zadkovich will probably move, it looks Mark Milligan will go overseas and Juninho’s a 50-50, so we’ve got a few spots to fill,” said Kosmina, who added the club was still involved in talks with Newcastle Jets midfielder Stuart Musialik.

“Stuart’s talking to a number of clubs and we’ve had discussions with him.

“At the moment, he’s got decisions to make.”

Bookmaker Lasseters Sportsbook has installed Sydney FC as a short priced favourite ($2.75) to win next season’s A-League following the three key signings.

“Every season punters jump out of the ground to back the glamour club,” says Lasseters’ Gerard Daffy.

“I’m expecting them to butter up again with John Aloisi and co on board.”

Queensland are second-favourite ($5), followed by Melbourne ($6.50) with champions Newcastle and their grand final opponents Central Coast both at $8.

Lasseters also has a market open on who will host the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with Australia considered a remote chance at $34.

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