JUST how much more can go wrong for Sydney FC, with a training bust-up between midfielder Jason Culina and coach Frank Farina now threatening to derail the club's playoff hopes.
Club officials could not be contacted yesterday, but as revealed exclusively on The Weekend Australian's website, Culina will not be part of the Sky Blues' squad for the game against Brisbane Roar at Allianz Stadium tomorrow.
It is believed he and Farina exchanged angry words after the former Socceroo was told to play in what appeared to be the second team in a training match yesterday. Visibly upset, Culina, who missed last week's 2-2 draw with Newcastle and was expected to start against Brisbane, then gathered his gear and made the long walk back to the dressing rooms.
An angry Farina, a strong-willed man who demands discipline from his players, went into a meeting with Culina, the rest of the coaching staff and several officials after training to sort out the issue.
Initial reports suggested Culina had walked out on the Sky Blues, but that was not the case.
The drama is just another in the long line of issues for Sydney FC.
The team has struggled with poor form and results, lost coach Ian Crook after seven weeks and has been criticised for not moving quickly to re-sign Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero.
Culina was handed a lifeline by Sydney after it looked as though his career was over because of a knee injury that had prevented him from playing for two years. The club allowed him to use its medical facilities and the assistance of physiotherapist Stan Ivancic. Through hard work and dedication, Culina fought his way back on to the field late last year.
He has shown flashes of his quality and is regarded as the missing link for Sydney after its slow start to the season.
Tough taskmaster Farina has turned the club around, winning plaudits for his stern but fair approach and getting the team to believe in itself again.
Meanwhile, Del Piero has called on his teammates to continue to follow the road Farina has put them on if they are to launch a final push for a spot in the playoffs.
Although Farina's position for next season is not assured, Del Piero seemingly gave him his seal of approval as the former Socceroos boss tries to resurrect the Sky Blues.
As The Australian reported last week, the Sydney FC board has been impressed with what Farina, who has been interim coach, has done in his 11-week tenure and is leaning towards handing him the reins on a full-time basis.
Del Piero suggested yesterday that the 48-year-old Farina was doing the right things to get the club progressing.
"I don't know what will happen," Del Piero said when quizzed after training regarding Farina's situation. "I know only Frank is a good man and we have to be a rock and give him a hand and be focused with him, staying with him and follow him.
"That's it. The future (for Farina) is business for Sydney FC."
The Italian believes the coach is doing a good job under the circumstances.
Farina took over with the club at an all-time low and has steadily restored confidence, pride and passion into the squad even though there have been issues with injuries and suspensions.
"At the moment, we don't have so much time for building (the team)," Del Piero said when asked how the club could continue to turn things around. "We have to fix what is good, what is not. We have to follow the road with Frank in the last two months.
"We have to approach every game like a final, have 100 per cent concentration. It is the only road I know for improving our game . . . play with heart and passion and for the win for sure."
No comments:
Post a Comment