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Farina grounded despite Sydney resurgence

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 16 Feb 2013

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They are in the top six and have just signed the Socceroos skipper but Sydney FC coach Frank Farina is not getting carried away.

They are in the top six and have just signed the Socceroos skipper but Sydney FC coach Frank Farina is not getting carried away.

Sitting last just a couple of months ago, the Sky Blues have jumped up to fifth spot on the A-League ladder following Saturday night’s 2-1 win over a disappointing Adelaide.

Second half goals to Terry Antonis – his first at senior level – and Blake Powell ensured Sydney of a well-deserved win, a club record fifth in a row on their home turf.

It has put them in the box seat for a finals berth, especially after the club secured the signature of Lucas Neill for the remainder of the season on Saturday.

While delighted with the way his side have turned their season around, Farina is looking no further ahead than next weekend’s crunch match with Melbourne Heart.

“It’s pleasing but I’m getting tired of saying it, we’re just playing it week by week,” Farina said.

“The next two weeks will be critical. We’ve got two away games against the Heart and then Perth.

“It’s great we’ve got three points but we just move on.

“Momentum quickly shifts. You can win a couple of games but then you can lose three or four.

“It’s just a matter of making sure everyone is focused on what we’re doing. What we’re trying to instil here is good but it’s got to be consistent.”

Neill will train with his new teammates for the first time on Sunday and is expected to come straight into the starting side for the clash with the Heart.

Striker Joel Griffiths is also available again after serving his three-game ban, while Brett Emerton and Ali Abbas will also come back into the squad.

The increased competition is sure to give the Sky Blues boss some selection headaches but he wouldn’t want it any other way.

“That’s the way it should be at Sydney,” Farina said.

“Everyone’s got to fight for a spot and if you’ve got a spot in this team, you’ve got to make sure you keep it.

“By playing well and winning games is the only way you make sure the team does well and you keep going towards what you want to achieve.”

The only downside for Sydney was a knee injury to young midfielder Peter Triantis, which forced him off at half-time.

He will be assessed at the club’s recovery session on Sunday but Farina is confident the problem isn’t too serious.

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