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Former coach Branko Culina has slammed the instability at Sydney FC after yet another coach was shown the door at the A-League club.
John Kosmina was sacked on Saturday after Sydney failed to reach the finals for the first time, leaving the club searching for a fifth coach in five years.
Kosmina joined Culina and Terry Butcher in being released by the Sky Blues, while Pierre Littbarski spent just one season in Sydney, leading the team to the inaugural A-League championship before departing.
Culina believes Sydney have failed to heed lessons when it comes to building a successful franchise, pointing to Melbourne and the Central Coast as examples.
Both clubs still have their original coaches, the Victory sticking with Ernie Merrick and the Mariners putting faith in Lawrie McKinna.
Both outfits are also gearing up for a crack at the 2008-09 title, while Sydney FC are planning for next season.
“All you have to do is look at the teams that are on the top consistently year in and year out, and that’s Melbourne and Central Coast,” Culina said.
“They’ve had stability across the board and they’ve reaped the benefits.
“Adelaide have had changes but two (coaches) in five years isn’t too bad.
“Every club will have changes here and there but not as many as Sydney FC.”
Culina also bristled at the suggestion a foreign coach was again being sought to try to solve Sydney’s woes.
Former Zenit St Petersburg coach Vlastimil Petrzela’s name has been put forward, but Culina believes unless a well-known international coach can be enticed to Australia, the club should be looking in its own backyard.
“Fair go, we Australians are not stupid and not that far behind others,” he said.
“I have no problems getting a top-notch coach from overseas, the whole world strives for the very best people.
“But don’t tell me plucking an unknown coach from somewhere else just because he’s a foreigner is any better.
“We’re not fools and Australia wouldn’t be producing as many good players if we didn’t have any idea what we’re doing here.”
Culina believes Sydney FC’s desire to be successful immediately in the A-League has led to an ageing playing list.
He also feels the club is “back to square one” after entering the current season as championship favourites.
“A career has been cut (Kosmina’s), a club has again been put back to square one and it’s a little bit frustrating for all – supporters, sponsors, players, everyone,” he said.
“Sometimes a club has to do that to find the right formula, but I’m not sure all the changes the club has made have worked.”
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