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The stunning second coming of coach John Kosmina at Adelaide’s helm has added extra fire to their A-League clash with his former club Sydney FC.
The Reds have endured a drama-packed week after Dutch coach Rini Coolen was dumped in favour Kosmina following the team’s embarrassing 3-0 loss to bottom-placed Gold Coast.
The defeat stretched their winless streak to five games and has seen last season’s high-flyers slip to ninth on the ladder.
Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka feels the controversial coach could be just what the Reds need as they look to turn things around at Kosmina’s former stomping ground the SFS on Thursday night.
“He is the type of coach that likes to really motivate the players,” Lavicka said.
“We are expecting that they will be very motivated and wanting to get points for their new coach.”
The Sky Blues can climb to second place on the ladder with a win against Adelaide and midfielder Rhyan Grant says it’s important for his team to not be distracted by the Reds’ situation.
“They’ve had a lot of drama this week … whenever a team gets a new coach they’re always up for it and trying to impress so it’s going to be tough for us,” he said.
Striker Mark Bridge (back) and teenage midfielder Terry Antonis (groin, calf) are finally fit for but Lavicka is likely to retain largely last week’s line-up.
With the exception of Nicky Carle, who was on Wednesday ruled out with a hamstring injury, Lavicka has a full squad to choose from and admits he wants to name the same team that posted a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Newcastle on Saturday.
“Mark and Terry are ready yes and we are happy that these players are available,” Lavicka said.
“But we played quite a good game last weekend and the players that gave that performance in Newcastle deserve to be part of the squad and we don’t have room for everyone.
“I am happy because the squad is competitive, everyone wants to play … but it can sometimes be cruel for the players who miss out. But that’s football.”
With Carle out, Grant is likely to start after the 20-year-old midfielder produced a stellar performance off the bench against the Jets.
“If I get a chance tomorrow I will take it with both hands and really give it my all,” Grant said.
Brett Emerton has also recovered from the tight hamstring that caused him to withdraw at halftime in Newcastle and will be fit to play Adelaide.
Teen sensation Mitchell Mallia, who made his first-grade debut for Sydney as a late substitute last week, will give Lavicka another attacking option.
Adelaide on the other hand will be sweating on the fitness of striker Sergio van Dijk.
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