There’s no doubt Sydney FC have been the best team in the A-League all season, so why do so many fans dislike them so much?
Sydney FC’s methodical 3-0 dismantling of Melbourne City last weekend was as clinical as it was entertaining, with the Sky Blues creating plenty of chances before Alex Brosque eventually took advantage of some chaotic defending from a Michael Zullo long throw.
And when Brazilian striker Bobo chimed in with a brace – taking his tally to 14 goals from 25 games – the Sky Blues notched their 52nd goal of a prolific campaign in the process.
What was perhaps most noteworthy about Sydney FC’s win wasn’t the manner of their victory, but the fact it all seemed so inevitable.
This, it’s worth remembering, was a Melbourne City side many pundits expected to give the A-League a serious shake – myself included. Yet the Sky Blues swept them aside with ease.
There were few plaudits, however, with most armchair critics preferring to compare the Sky Blues unfavourably with the Brisbane Roar side that went 36 games unbeaten under Ange Postecoglou.
The question remains – why?
I’ve watched just about every Sydney FC game live on TV this season – often with a glass of Scotch in one hand while I scratch my cat’s furry chin with the other – and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
In fact, I’d venture to say this is one of the most enjoyable seasons I can remember. But is that all simply based on tribal allegiance?
Perhaps the most common complaint made about Sydney FC this season is that they’re boring.
For all their attacking intent –and it must be said many of their goals have been scored on the counter-attack – there’s a relentlessness about the team that supposedly makes them hard to watch.
And it’s true players like Bobo – oft-criticised, despite being the team’s top scorer – benefit greatly from the work of others.
But surely it’s that work that makes the Sky Blues enjoyable to watch?
Milos Ninkovic has already wrapped up the Alex Tobin Medal, so dominant has the Serbian playmaker been in midfield.
You get the sense that if he played for Melbourne Victory, Ninkovic would be lauded as one of the best imports to have ever graced our shores.
Add to that the skill of players like Brosque, Brandon O’Neill and the metronomic Josh Brillante, and it’s hard to argue Sydney FC aren’t as effective as they are easy on the eye.
But perhaps bagging the Sky Blues reflects the true nature of football, and deep down we really all just want something to criticise.
I was reminded as much on Wednesday night, when I attended the Roar Supporters Federation forum along with around 50 or so fans.
What was remarkable was just how candidly Brisbane Roar managing director Mark Kingsman and assistant coach Ross Aloisi spoke.
I’ve been to press conferences that weren’t anywhere near as insightful, as Kingsman and Aloisi – who were joined at the table by club chairman Rahim Soekasah – went into specific details about the Roar’s direction, coaching philosophy, stadium plans and relationship with the Bakrie Group.
It was the sort of insight most fans clamour to hear, and it came about because a group of supporters decided to forge closer links with the club.
Do you think that was enough to stop the usual cadre of online critics from complaining though? Of course not.
The same old critics listed the same old complaints on social media, despite the fact they could have just attended the forum and aired their grievances directly.
Perhaps some fans don’t really want a club to support – they just want one to complain about.
I can understand why many fans don’t like the Sky Blues, even if I find their brand of football enjoyable to watch.
Maybe boredom is in the eye of the beholder. Or maybe some fans don’t like the club simply because they’re Sydney FC.
Aethelbert
Guest
Your fans are annoying in real life, no one likes getting literally bashed for supporting a different team.
Aethelbert
Guest
Fadida before round 1: "Sydney FC will struggle this season, predicting it now"
Paul
Guest
Eastern Suburbs Football Club are boring just like their coach is an angry man.
qwetzen
Guest
"there is no real deep down rivalry between the states" That's as credible as your "rational thinking".
Waz
Guest
I recon D'aggers fits our style better, as does Katebian.
Vaughn
Guest
When exactly did it work for WSW? This season is the first season WSW will have a bigger crowd average, but over 100k was from the two ANZ derbies. Pirtek was only ever sold out for derbies and finals. Sydney FC's "malaise" has been second only to Victory since the decline of Roarcelona
Midfielder
Guest
Punter I listened he made a lot of sense then looked at 442 OMG that place is almost out of control a dozen or so folk just think the answer is P & R ... Its actually putting me off social media ...
punter
Guest
17 pts duller & loving it.
punter
Guest
Loving all the teams below SFC are saying they are dull!!!! Enjoy our dusk, the only Victory player I would want is Rojas.
punter
Guest
Smiling as well I enjoy football & I was all down on the A-League too, remember the season before we were also in the GF.
Justin Mahon
Guest
Absolutely he should Mike. But please drop the "FC" nonsense....
Justin Mahon
Guest
Eye of the beholder etc.... but I think they're dull. Seem duller though.
punter
Guest
It truly is RF. I loved what Ange did for Brisbane Roar & what he is now doing for the Socceroos. I have seen us beat Asian teams playing football, there is no doubt we still lack the cattle. We used to rely on professionalism & physical attributes to overrun them. I'm happy for Ange to continue even at the expense of WC qualification. He, Ange has been a breathe of fresh air. Now, having said that, back to SFC, they don't play this expansive style of Ange's, however, they play a very efficient game & they have some very skilflul players & at times their football is just special, the likes of Ninkovic, Brosque, Bobo, Grant , Holosko, Carney & Ibini, even O'Neill & Brillante, their 1 touch football is very good. Like you said eye of beholder. I'm loving it.
punter
Guest
Mid, my friends from 'This Football Show' on outside 90 actually had Greg O'Rouke on the show & he gives a pretty good view of some behind the scenes actions taking place in the topics of issue, the Governance, the expansion & on FTA, plus some real interest in the game from big Brands both locally & internationally, now whether this is more hot air or not, I have no idea. However being a glass half full sort of guy, it all sounds quite promising.
Realfootball
Guest
What do you think, Waz? I reckon D'Agostino will become a better player than McClaren. I also suspect that one of the reasons Brisbane are letting Macca go is that JA thinks the same thing, and also thinks that Daggers is ready to step next season.
Realfootball
Guest
"The goal of football is to score goals and not concede them, not to play in any certain way in my opinion." Certainly, if you wish to choose the narrowest possible interpretation. I would argue for a broader context, in which football is seen as part of a diverse and competitive entertainment lexicon. And in his context, how the game is played becomes very important, as Sydney are demonstrating this season. You may wish Brisbane Roar to have done the same as Sydney this season. As a fellow Roar fan, I represent a different viewpoint, which is that we cannot afford to have efficiency over style. From an aesthetic and contextual perspective, we need both, and there is no reason we can't have both. Unless Arnold is coaching. He is one note whistle.
Realfootball
Guest
Ah well, Punter, you know what they say about beauty and the eye of the beholder...
Realfootball
Guest
Legs aren't, however.
Waz
Guest
you really need too lol. What were you like finishing 7th?
Midfielder
Guest
Bob Punter Nay not complaint about people who complain.. argue when people say beyond crazy things and then insist they are right ... Punter thanks ... love the blues ...