Rudan endorses Sydney assistant
Sydney FC boss Steve Corica could lose his trusted lieutenant next season with assistant coach Ufuk Talay in the running to fill the vacant job at Wellington Phoenix.
Sydney media understands Talay has fielded an approach from the Phoenix and is understood to be one of the leading candidates to replace Mark Rudan, who is rumoured to be lined up as coach of Melbourne-based expansion side Western United in their inaugural season.
It’s understood Rudan, a close friend and former teammate of Talay at the Sky Blues, put forward the Sydney assistant’s name as his potential successor.
The 43-year-old is considered one of the brightest young coaches coming through the ranks and has two decades of playing experience to draw from, having made more than 300 appearances for clubs in Australia, Turkey, France and Japan.
Talay is contracted to the Sky Blues beyond this season but the club would not stand in his way if he was to be offered the head coaching position. Talks are understood to be at a very early stage and the Phoenix are yet to even officially contact Sydney FC about their interest.
Meanwhile, Rudan hopes playmaker Sarpreet Singh can unearth his missing touch when Wellington enter the playoffs for the first time in four years.
Coming off a 5-0 loss to Perth in their final regular season match, the sixth-ranked Phoenix are rank outsiders to topple champions Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park tonight.
Rudan feels most parts of their game have fired but one that hasn’t is attacking midfielder Singh.
Rated one of the league’s most exciting playmakers, the 20-year-old delivered some scintillating displays during the middle of the season.
However, the young Kiwi has come under close watch and his influence has waned. Singh has provided goals or assists in just two of his past 14 games.
“It’s something we’ve spoken to him about and challenged him on,” Rudan said.
“To tell you just how important a player Sarpreet Singh is, he’s finding it harder and harder to play his normal game.”