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Already Sydney FC appear to be bearing the fruit of their velvet revolution but coach Vitezslav Lavicka has warned his side still has plenty of work to do before the new A-League season.
The sky blues, who missed the finals for the first time last season, have made an encouraging start under their new Czech coach, who replaced the sacked John Kosmina.
They have won all eight of their trial matches so far, seven against state league opposition and the other a 4-0 win over A-League newcomers North Queensland on Saturday.
The performances have provided plenty of encouragement that Lavicka can help restore the inaugural A-League winners to their former glory but, true to his philosophy that encompasses professionalism, concentration and discipline, Lavicka is not thinking too far ahead.
“I am happy, the job is going well but no celebrating, it’s still only pre-season,” Lavicka said on Tuesday.
“The results and the performances during the pre-season are a mirror of the hard work during the sessions so far.
“I am satisfied, but most important will be and every game during the main season. We have still many things to improve.”
Among the biggest changes brought in by Lavicka has been a strict physical schedule intended to get the players in the best possible shape for the start of the season.
Five-week blocks are divided into four heavy weeks of training and one light, with the players wearing heart monitors to record their performances in training.
“From week to week, it gets harder and harder and we’re definitely being pushed, but within reason,” winger Alex Brosque said.
“We’re all wearing heart rate monitors and things so we know how hard to push ourselves and what level we should be at.
“It’s definitely been the most intense pre-season I’ve been a part of.
“But that’s the reason why we haven’t got any injuries as of yet and everyone seems to be as fit as they’ve ever been.”
Both in training and in matches, Sydney have looked sharp and Lavicka looks to be honouring his promise of encouraging attacking football.
The players are enthusiastic and the sessions intense, with Lavicka and assistants Michael Zach and Tony Popovic regularly barking orders such as “no mistakes” and “be professional”.
“It’s been a big change,” Brosque said.
“To have a respected European coach like him to come in and for the young boys to learn off him is huge.”
All things considered, Lavicka could not have had a better start to life in Australia – except for one thing that is.
“I miss my family. It’s the only thing still missing, but they will come in two or three weeks,” Lavicka said.
“I’m staying in contact with them by Skype every evening but I am looking forward to when we can stay together in Sydney.”
A youthful Sydney team will face Sutherland in another trial match on Wednesday night.
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