Confident Sky Blues ready for big Glory test

SYDNEY FC coach Steve Corica admits last week’s confidence-boosting win over arch rivals Western Sydney has them primed for a shot at ALeague leaders Perth this week.

The Sky Blues were criticised heavily for losing twice in the space of three weeks prior to their derby victory, and now have the ominous task of facing the undefeated Glory on the road.

Corica, whose side sits six points behind Perth in third spot, was reluctant to discuss the significance of the clash with counterpart Tony Popovic today.

“Every game’s a different challenge and we’re very much looking forward to this one in Perth coming up against Poppa,” Corica said yesterday.

The contest against the runaway leaders shapes as the biggest challenge yet for the rookie coach, whose side has yet to reach the same level of form and consistency they had under Graham Arnold.

However, if their current third-place position is bothering him, then he isn’t showing it, not with more match-ups against heavyweights Melbourne Victory and the Glory to come.

“We have to play (Perth) three times, we still have to play Melbourne Victory another two times. So we’re in a good position,” Corica said.

“I’m not worried about the position we’re in. We will get better.

“I think some of the performances have been a little bit scrappy and we’ve still been getting the wins, which is great. I don’t think Perth played well last week and they got the win.

“It’s about building and we’ve had changes at the club and it takes time to get everything right.”

Corica conceded that bouncing back to form in their 3-1 win over a 10-man Wanderers side was important ahead of what is arguably the match of the round.

The Sky Blues had suffered defeats to Melbourne Victory and Wellington in recent weeks.