Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 12, 2024 11:27 pm GMT
As excitement builds in Sydney ahead of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) opener, all eyes are on Douglas Costa. The Brazilian winger, a former star with Bayern Munich and Juventus, is set to make his Sydney FC debut against Eastern FC, and his presence has ignited hopes for a strong campaign.
Douglas Costa Set to Debut
Sydney FC head coach Ufuk Talay announced that Costa will be part of the squad when they clash with the Hong Kong Premier League leaders at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Thursday evening. Costa’s arrival has transformed the team’s dynamics, according to Talay.
“Douglas has been working hard; he’s a great professional,” Talay said. “I think he’s fantastic in the changing room, lifting a lot of spirits and expectations within the team.”
Talay emphasized that while Costa may not be fully match-fit yet, his commitment and professionalism provide a significant boost. “We’ll push him as far as he can go… he’s in a good place at the moment,” Talay noted.
Team Dynamics and Chemistry
Sydney FC has undergone a significant transformation in the offseason. Costa’s signing marks a crucial addition to the revamped squad, which also includes new players Harrison Devenish-Meares, Anas Ouahim, Leo Sena, and Patryk Klimala.
Talay praised Alex Baumjohann, the club’s Head of Player Management, for his efforts in securing these key signings. “We’ve lost some important foreign players from last season, plus our club captain, so filling those five spots was crucial,” Talay remarked.
Captain’s Expectations
Leading Sydney FC is newly appointed captain Rhyan Grant, who is optimistic about the team’s preparations. Grant believes the squad has gelled well during training sessions and behind-closed-door matches.
“I think we’ve had a full squad training together these past weeks, working on combinations,” Grant explained. “The boys are really starting to gel, just in time for our first match.”
Aiming for a Successful Campaign
Sydney FC’s entry into the ACL2 arrives after their victory in the 2023 Australia Cup. The club is placed in Group E, alongside Filipino side Kaya FC, Japanese team Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and Eastern FC.
After their opener against Eastern, the Sky Blues will travel to face Kaya FC before venturing into their A-League Men campaign with a highly anticipated derby against the Western Sydney Wanderers on October 19.
Talay expressed his ambitions for the tournament, recalling his previous experience with the team. “When I was an assistant coach in the 2018/19 season, we had a good Asian campaign. Our aim is to represent our country and club well,” he said.
Strengthening the Squad
In a strategic move, Sydney FC recently announced the loan signing of Alexandar Popovic from Gwanju, adding depth to their defensive lineup. At just 22 years of age, Popovic is expected to transform the backline as Sydney embarks on their title quest.
What’s Next for Sydney FC
- Thursday Night:
– Match against Eastern FC, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 8 PM kick-off.
- Future Fixtures:
– Visiting Kaya FC in the Philippines.
– The highly anticipated Sydney Derby against Western Sydney Wanderers on October 19.
As Douglas Costa makes his debut, fans are hopeful that his experience and flair will make a significant impact, propelling Sydney FC forward in both the ACL2 and the A-League.
The new season has started, and the Sky Blues want to make a big impact right away. Costa’s first game with the team could be just what they need to get things going. Fans in Sydney are excited to see how this new-look team will play against others from around the world.
