It was a momentous win on a huge stage, one that Sydney FC coach Frank Farina hopes propels his charges through their tough run to the A-League finals.
The Sky Blues beat fierce rivals Western Sydney 3-1 in front of over 40,000 people at Allianz Stadium on Saturday to win the heated derby for the first time in 18 months.
The victory however, has been overshadowed by claims from Sydney midfielder Ali Abbas he was culturally and religiously abused during the match.
The club is set to investigate these claims in the coming days but Farina is solely focused on preparing his charges for their final matches of the season.
Saturday was the first time Sydney had won a match this season after going behind, as they piled on three unanswered goals in the action-packed second half to seal victory.
The win lifted the Sky Blues to fourth on the table and couldn’t have come at a better time with only five games remaining ahead of the finals.
Sydney next host top-placed Brisbane, followed by away clashes to a red-hot Adelaide and an always dangerous Melbourne Victory in what will be season-defining encounters.
Asked if he thought the derby win would give his side the momentum they need to get through these difficult matches Farina said: “I hate answering that one because every time I do it seems to backfire.
“I’d like to think so. Wins always give you that confidence and especially winning the derby.
“We’re not the only ones, everyone’s got a difficult run home.
“We’re playing teams in the six and every week that six can change. So the more points you bank the better.
“I keep saying to the players there’s not magic wand, there’s no secret formula it’s a matter of working hard.”
Despite the inconsistent campaign Sydney have had so far they now sit just one win away from second place.
Frustrated fans were left calling for Farina’s head just weeks ago and the embattled mentor doesn’t expect the club’s current position will alleviate any pressure on him.
“Everyone keeps talking about Sydney and, fortunately or unfortunately, I’m the coach of Sydney at the moment,” he said.
“We’re the biggest target in the league because we’re one of the biggest clubs and we seem to cop the most.
“But I can guarantee you one thing myself, the CEO, the chairman, the club and the players – we’re tough.
“You can throw as much crap at us as you like but we’ll just keep fighting.”
fadida
Guest
Many points I agree with there Qantas
fadida
Guest
I can understand that. As a Jets fan the at least the consolation of every defeat was GVE closer to the exit door. Farina is showing his strength of character. He's a very resilient fellow, given he knows that despite results many fan doubt his ability. Long term though he's certainly not good enough to make them successful, and the football is still rotten. I take my hat off to his character and mental strength though
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
I was never a great fan of Frankie when he dropped Ned Zelic from the Australian National team. Less so when he bumbled along at the Roar. But I am starting to like the guy and the way he has handled the pressure cooker atmosphere at SFC recently. I am willing to back him for this season as many of you won't, because you have had enough. But I think he has turned a big corner and he will start to show he is now a better manager for it.. The game against the Roar will tell us a lot more about the man and if he is to be the coach next season.
Hamish Alcorn
Guest
“I keep saying to the players there’s not magic wand, there’s no secret formula it’s a matter of working hard.” I've been listening to Frankie interviews since he started coaching the Roar and this is a fairly typical comment. It's a trueism of course that no one can actually disagree with but over time what the comments reveal is what's ;lacking. I have never heard him infer that he has a tactical idea that he is trying to teach the players. He doesn't talk tactics. Does he have a tactical clue, like at all? Just on the evidence of his interviews it's a fair question. And is it just my cynical mind that is observing that when SFC have a win it's because of leadership on the field? Del Piero or, as the article infers of this time, Oggy at the back? You'll win a few games that way - Jesus, there's some good players! - but we shouldn't wonder why there's no consistency. Frankie's been complaining about lack of consistency his entire coaching career. Hm.
The artist formally known as Dave
Guest
Agree with every word of that Punter. I could have written it myself. If we do somehow get top 4 and Farina is retained,I'm really gonna struggle to convince myself to renew my membership next season. I feel highly conflicted in the stands at the moment - desperately want to win every individual game as usual but scared of the consequences.
Punter
Guest
Massive Sydney FC fan, however, if it means Frankie staying if we qualify for the semis, I would rather miss the semis. We have been poor this year, very poor despite the results. Anyone who knows anything of football who attends every Sydney game like myself, so many times I question why do I keep turning up. Yes some games we win with a bit of guts & luck like on sat night, but only against MV 5 nil win did we win playing anything resembling some like playing football in 2 years of football.
langou
Roar Guru
Whether or not Farina is the best option in the future remains to be seen but the board clearly made the right decision in not sacking him during that week prior to the Glory match.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Well WSW had 96 min to win the game and they didn't. SFC supporters doing the Poznan was just taking the micky out of the WSW guys---yes indeed that was priceless... (but agree the Pozan is really a boring childish antic---hope it's never repeated)
JonJax
Guest
One goal scored unknowingly by Jurman as it bounced off his shoulder while he was looking away, another goal gifted to Garcia after Beauchamp confirmed what we all thought-that he can't play with the ball at his feet. And the Abbas pen was awarded when Polenz caught the ball in the in the penalty area after it was hand-balled to him by a Sky Blue defender! Throw in Garcia's "wrecking ball" defending to concede a pen to the Wanderers and you'll forgive me for not jumping on the Farina Bandwagon and the special brand of "non-football" he brings to the table. The Sky-Blue die-hards deriding the RBB with their version of the Poznan after the final goal- Priceless!
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
2-1 for SFC
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
A win over Brisbane would be magnificent---not impossible especially at the SFS where confidence is now growing with Ogi marshalling the troops at the back, but the boys need to increase their mobility in the midfield to have any chance of overcoming Brisbane. ADP needs to be super fit for this one and be prepared to defend a bit more than he currently does. Absolutely wonderful on the ball in attack, but too casual in defending for my liking, however, I believe for this match he will be very focused for the task ahead. SFC can win this one at home.
Franko
Guest
#Farinaout What's that? They're fourth? #уволить совет (sack the board)