That is how I view Sydney FC at the current moment. As a neutral sitting in the stands on Saturday night to watch Sydney FC take on Melbourne Victory many thoughts were going through my head as I took in the atmosphere and feeling of the parochial crowd.
After an embarrassing drubbing at the hands of Central coast on a week earlier, it was still no surprise that a 20,000 plus crowd turned up to watch the Sky Blues. The Cove was full and in full voice from the start. It seemed that many in the crowd were there for one reason only and that was confirmed when the team was announced. At the announcement and the arrival on the field of Alessandro Del Piero brought the crowd to life. Sydney could have lost 20 nil last week and they all still would have turned up to see there football hero. Sydney loves an event.
Before the game started I had no doubt that if Sydney capitulated again there would be serious questions asked of the team and especially the coaching staff. By half time with Sydney at 1-0 the Cove were in full voice and the fans were in a nervous excitement. When Pascal Bosschaart scored his first ever professional goal the crowd was buzzing and preparing to party the night away.
All this was to change though in the 66th minute when Del Piero was substituted. Although many are critical with this decision, I would maintain it was the right one. With Del Piero returning from a hamstring injury and starting to struggle, it was not worth the risk of further injury to a player that is worth so much to the team both on and off the field. This raises an issue that I hope is not the problem. Everyone agrees that Del Piero has been a masterstroke signing and marketing coupe for the game and the attraction of extra supporters to the ground and the merchandising bonanza he has brought the club has been worth it. What you do not want to see is that he is kept on the ground for the marketing reason rather for team tactical reasons and player injury management. If he is run into the ground every game, he will not last the season.
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| Last thing Victory's Adrian Leijer wanted was for a Del Piero free kick to connect the same spot as the five stitches he received after a head collision |
The substitution brought out the fears I feel most in Sydney wish was not there. Without Del Piero on the field the teams structure holds in place as well has the little pigs straw house. Although Sydney capitulated and lost in an an amazing blitz in the last 12 minuted from Melbourne, they always looked vulnerable. As soon as Melbourne scored their first, there was a sense that the crowd knew that only luck would allow Sydney to hold on for a win. The faith amongst the fairweather fans is not very good.
When the final whistle blew and Sydney were leaving the field as losers, the next few days were always going to be interesting. Sitting at the airport early on Sunday morning I was waiting for news of a "please explain" from the club to coach, Ian Crook. I was a little surprised to land to the news that Ian Crook has resigned but in the end it was the only move he could make. As soon as he found himself in a situation where he was explaining himself to loyal supporters in the aftermath of the game, the writing was on the wall. If he feels he needs to explain himself to the supporters so quickly after a game, then he may as well go to the pub before the game to get his tactics.
Where to for Sydney though? I am sure that when they signed Del Piero they never imagined such a scenario where the were after their 7th coach in eight years. This is not a good sign for a proud club. Coaches come and go but if you average little more than a coach a season, then there will never be a real structure in place and the management of the club must come under scrutiny. It is also make you wonder if coaching Sydney FC is seen as a poisoned chalice. Sydeny FC supporters will need to hope that a quality replacement is found quickly, but they also need to support and back the coach and realise it may take time for improvement.
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