Sydney eager to seal Del Piero stay

They just locked away their coach now Sydney FC are hopeful of finalising Alessandro Del Piero’s new deal within the next week.

They just locked away their coach now Sydney FC are hopeful of finalising Alessandro Del Piero’s new deal within the next week.

The Italian’s brother and agent Stefano arrived in Australia on Friday and immediately turned up at the club’s training base at Macquarie Park.

It is understood he will watch the Sky Blues’ vital clash with Adelaide at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night before the two parties try and put the finishing touches on a one-year extension.

Del Piero’s future has been the subject of much conjecture in recent weeks, with reports Brazilian giants Flamengo were keen on the 38-year-old striker.

But with Del Piero’s brother in town for the next week, Sydney plan to put the finishing touches on a new deal before next weekend’s clash with Melbourne Heart.

“We hope so. These things take a bit of time but we’ll do what we can as quickly as possible,” Sydney FC CEO Tony Pignata said on Friday.

“They’re (Del Piero’s representatives) here to have a discussion but as I’ve said before we’re very confident of retaining Alessandro for next season.

“There’s no doubt there’s been interest from other clubs but that’s part and parcel of football. We’re confident he’ll stay.”

Del Piero was reluctant to discuss his future after training on Friday, preferring to focus on the club’s pivotal battle with the Reds.

Adelaide snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over Melbourne Victory last weekend and Del Piero admits he is unsure about what to expect from the Reds given the recent turmoil at the club.

“It’s too early to understand what the difference is before and now after the new coach (has come in),” the 2006 World Cup winner said.

“But they are always a big team Adelaide. They have beaten us two times and have been hard for us but we play at home and we are better than a month ago.

“They have good strikers, a good offensive line and that’s why we have to be careful.”

Asked about Sydney’s decision to re-sign coach Frank Farina on a two-year deal, Del Piero said: “It’s good news for us.

“We now hope to put more energy for the games and for each player now the focus for sure is to stay in top six.

“That’s why we just focus on this moment then next season (Farina) can work from the start and have time to improve the team.

“It’s a big game tomorrow and that’s what we have to concentrate on.”

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