Graham Arnold admits Sydney FC’s global hunt for reinforcements is proving tough and he may turn to youth to help the A-League’s glamour club through its injury crisis.
With veteran defender Sasa Ognenovski this week joining utility Ali Abbas, midfielder Nicky Carle and striker Corey Gameiro in being ruled out for the rest of the season, Arnold is scouring here there and everywhere for four like-for-like replacements.
But former Sydney FC premiership winner David Carney has already reportedly rejected approaches from the Sky Blues and Arnold said he was also having little joy in Europe.
“We’re down to 14 players plus the goalkeepers and we just need some bodies to add some depth and some strength to the squad and to add some competition so there’s no complacency,” Arnold said on Wednesday.
“So we’re looking hard. I’m not sleeping too much at the moment because I’m in constant contact with my network of agents who are in Europe.
“Because of the time difference and speaking to them a lot, it’s not easy.
“This time of the year, in January, you’re normally getting players who are either off contract and haven’t had a contract for six months or players that are unhappy at clubs or not getting paid at clubs in parts of Europe so that they can leave on a free transfer.
“We’re testing all the waters where we can.”
Under A-League rules, clubs can pay replacements the same amount of money as the injured players but Arnold said Sydney FC wouldn’t break the bank.
“It’s not a huge amount (we have to spend) and it’s not an amount to bring in top European players and I’m not into wasting money,” he said.
“So if I can’t find anything better than the kids, I love developing Australian kids.
“Whether that’s Central Coast Mariners or Sydney FC, it’s the same for me.”
Ognenovski’s injury, a crushed nerve in his thigh which Arnold fears may end his career, was the last straw for Sydney FC.
“In 15 years of coaching, I don’t think I’ve had one ACL and I’ve had three in four weeks and Sasa Ognenovski’s yesterday pretty much topped it off for us,” he said.
“Surely now we can’t have any more bad luck.”
After making a fine start to the season, Sydney FC have slipped to fifth on the ladder heading into their Boxing Day clash with Adelaide United at Allianz Stadium.
“Losing the four players we’ve lost is taking its toll in the dressing room as well,” Arnold said.
“When you try to build a new culture and you try to build a family environment and players are going down with serious injuries, it takes its toll on their teammates.
“They hurt for them as well and it’s important that Sydney FC fans stick behind us through these difficult times.”
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