The wool can no longer be pulled over people’s eyes. This is what a crisis is made of.
Sydney FC’s 3-1 humiliation at home to the Wellington Phoenix on Saturday night outlined that Graham Arnold’s recruitment, selection and management has failed dismally for the 2015-16 season.
The stunning fall from grace could not contrast differently from 2014-15. The club was riding on the crest of a wave playing quick, decisive, counter-attacking football with a clear philosophy that satisfied supporters across Allianz Stadium.
Going into the decider on grand final day last May, the Sky Blues boasted international names like Marc Janko, Bernie Ibini, Terry Antonis and young Socceroos fullback Alex Gersbach.
Janko will head to the European championships with Austria playing regular football in Switzerland with FC Basel, having started in the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Ibini’s loan period was allowed to elapse before heading to Club Brugge, while Antonis switched to Greece with Paok.
But the Gersbach move to Rosenborg is without doubt the most contentious. Sources close to the club believe that Arnold urged the decision makers to keep the left back, until he was sold to Norway months out from running his contract down.
If the split between management and board level is correct, then it is the first time such a difference in opinion of personal has occurred since the coach’s arrival at Moore Park.
In the context of a competition ruled by salary cap restrictions, clubs are forgiven for fluctuating in form. A bad day at the office is excusable, yet the manner of the 3-1 defeat feels different.
Sydney found themselves 3-0 down before half time and the muted atmosphere inside Allianz reflected directly onto the pitch. Commentators Mike Cockerill and Ned Zelic pointed to the unusually quiet manager on the touchline and the feeling of discontent over Arnold’s management became palpable.
The football on show was pitiful from start to finish. Ball movement was telegraphed and laboured, illustrating a squad bereft of ideas and void of confidence.
Blake Powell’s goal added insult to injury, defying Arnold’s choice not to keep him at the club as the striker added a fifth to his tally of recent contributions to trips to the Harbour City.
Sydney is now outside the looking glass and peering into the abyss. The depth and talent of the roster is below par and that doesn’t even touch on the confidence of the group which appears shot to pieces.
For a must win game, the bench on Saturday was packed with experience in the form of Ali Abbas, Mikael Tavares and million-dollar-man Filip Holosko, the latter of which was not selected for the Asian Champions League and started the supposed banker of a fixture on the sidelines.
The Cove are fed up, members are fed up, viewers from afar are bemused and major questions about the direction of the club remain unanswered.
During the week, broadcaster Mike Cockerill intimated on Fox Sports’ Roundtable program that Arnold was safe for 2015-16 regardless of results. SBS presenter Lucy Zelic described that assertion as ‘absurd’.
Arnold was brought to Sydney as a tough-talking, no-nonsense winner that would take the club from perennial underachievers to Australian powerhouse within the period of his contract.
Almost two years into the three of that agreement, the Sky Blues are arguably worse than the rabble he inherited from Frank Farina.
If that isn’t a crisis for Sydney FC then nothing is.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Matthew, you went to see the wrong match... All the supporters of LA Galaxy know all about SFC. Yorke, Juninho, ADP, and Beckham all have SFC jerseys hanging in their memorabilia collection.
Fadida
Guest
:)
Fadida
Guest
What Punter? When I forecast a SFC struggle due to lack of pace, old age, lack of creativity etc you were up in arms! Now you agree? :)
Midfielder
Guest
SFC and Mariners to swap coaches for next season...
marron
Guest
I know I joke but I don't actually know any Sydney FC fans who are saying much different. Except for vic below there that is. This seems eminently sensible to me. And on the plus side, we have someone to laugh at for a bit longer ;)
Peter Cotton
Guest
Accuracy please MF. The margin was, in fact 37%. Depends on your definition of "marginally", but a very popular interpretation is "slightly, or to a limited extent". Far less than the 37% revealed in your quoted figures. Cheers PC
Matthew
Guest
Not true. I was at a NYC Red Bulls game a couple of years back and was wearing my Glory shirt. I was speaking to a couple of Americans and none of them of course knew who the Perth Glory were but someone did ask 'Have you seen any Melbourne Victory games'? So we got to talking. I wasnt upset but to say everyone knows Sydney FC is taking the piss.
Matthew
Guest
I dont mind Smeltz as an off the Bench player but why the hell were they so desparate for Carney?
Punter
Guest
Marron, his recruitment this year was very poor, he was supposed to improve the team that lost so badly in the GF last year, but after losing Janko, Ibini, Antonis, we didn't replace them properly or made it better. The side he put out for the 1st half last game was terrible. I am hoping & his credentials are strong enough to deserve it, that he gets another season to re-build the team, there is a core of decent players there, but they need speed, not more aging foreigners, a striker & more creative players in the front 3rd.
marron
Guest
Punter what are you thoughts on Arnie?
Punter
Guest
I agree Horto, we shouldn't kick those little clubs!!!!
Horto Magiko
Roar Rookie
No drama marron ;) You're one of the good ones mate.
Punter
Guest
Yes true, but I'm glad that you won't have to face SFC in the finals with your record against us.
Jovinho
Guest
I agree with you Marron. It was terrible recruitment this season that ruined it for us. Unfortunately this can't be fixed until the off season. Do I trust Arnie to correct the ship? Absolutely. Arnie has a great track record and one bad year doesn't make him the wrong person for the job. Sydney FC would be stupid to get rid of him.
marron
Guest
You're right Batou... I apologise. I definitely didn't hear any boos out of the cove. ;)
marron
Guest
Steady on Horto! Tongue in cheek banter with Caltex mate. All good. :)
Vic Ram
Guest
From day one I have been barking that Arnold has signed all pensioners and rejects from others clubs and when we have such players like Smeltz, Milos Dimi, Fatty, Hoole, and Blackwood sure we will be in a position where we are. Poor recruitment for 2015/2016 season and all blame should go to Arnold. The whole management and players needs to be cleaned up for 2016/2017 season, get new asst coach, and players. I wont be watching any more matches this season had enough, thanks to Arnold.........SYD FC PATHETIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Horto Magiko
Roar Rookie
Settle marron. Any comparison between an appearance in a tourney vs winning a tourney can not be construed as anything other than a blatant joke. Try reading the 2 posts before where I actually took the initiative to defend your club and highlight their achievements. And Don't kick a little club when they're down, it's ungracious.
marron
Guest
Sth Melbourne were the biggest club in oceania Cal. .. you know, that confederation you won your little trophy from.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Yes. And has not done anything to suggest he'll get the gig again.