Sydney takes search global
GRAHAM Arnold is expecting several players to re-sign with the club in the next week, while the Sydney FC coach is also looking to recruit new players to further strengthen his squad.
The Sky Blues are eight points clear at the top of the A League table and have scored 20 goals in their past five games, while conceding just four.
With the January transfer window open, Arnold (pictured right) says he is looking at several foreign players with a view to next season.
“We’re looking at all players around the world to strengthen this team that will fit inside the salary cap and that will make this team greater,” he said.
“We expect to bring in some new players for next year already, but the stability of the team will still be there.”
The Sky Blues have as many as 11 players off contract at the end of the season, but Arnold anticipates zero departures in this transfer window.
“Why would anyone leave Sydney FC? It’s the best club, has the best culture and is the best environment for players to develop,” he said.
Sydney came from behind against the Newcastle Jets last week to record a 2-2 draw and maintain their 24-match unbeaten run at home, but tonight they’re on the road when they travel to Brisbane.
“It was a fantastic performance against Newcastle and we conceded two sloppy goals, which we don’t normally do,” Arnold said. “All I can do is be proud of the boys, but that match is over – we’ve looked at it and now we move forward.”
After Alex Brosque was rested for the Jets game, the club captain will be back to face the Roar and Arnold is expecting a greater performance from his team.
WHY WOULD ANYONE LEAVE SYDNEY FC? IT’S THE BEST CLUB, HAS THE BEST CULTURE AND IS THE BEST ENVIRONMENT FOR PLAYERS TO DEVELOP GRAHAM ARNOLD
Key to that will be Polish winger Adrian Mierzejewski, who has been sublime for Sydney with his seven goals in nine games. But Arnold believes there’s even more to come from him as he becomes more familiar with his teammates on the field, particularly Milos Ninkovic.
“I’ve had to move him (Mierzejewski) around a few times; I’ve had to play him on the left, through the middle with Bobo, and I’m just excited to see him and Ninko start settling and getting to know each other’s games,” Arnold said.
“Our attack, with the way our fullbacks get forward, is so exciting.
“I just see so many upsides with this team and we’re nowhere near our best yet, so I’m excited to see when we are.”