Sydney FC star Robert Mak says the Sky Blues have the ‘character’ and the players to beat Melbourne City

Confidence is high in the Sydney FC camp heading into their two-legged A-League semi-final showdown against Melbourne City.

Robert Mak is confident Sydney FC can get the better of Melbourne City. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Sydney FC star Robert Mak has warned Melbourne City against falling into the same trap as the Western Sydney Wanderers by dismissing the Sky Blues’ A-League title hopes.

Championship favourites City meet Sydney over two legs for a place in the A-League grand final on June 3.

While had the weekend off, the Sky Blues were involved in a sudden-death semi-final against the Wanderers at CommBank Stadium

Despite their favouritism and playing at home, the Wanderers lost 2-1 to a Sydney side the fought back from a goal down to deservedly advance to a date with City courtesy of second-half goals from Slovakian international Mak and Englishman Adam Le Fondre.

“These games motivate you and we were so up for it,” Mak said ahead of Friday night’s first leg at Allianz Stadium.

“They (the Wanderers) thought they’d pass us easily.

“We showed how good and strong we are, and that gives us much more confidence.”

Robert Mak celebrates after scoring for Sydney FC against the Wanderers. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Despite City looming as the fresher of the teams, Mak was glad to have played on the weekend.

“For us, it’s even better because to win that game, it give us so much confidence,” he said.

“To win a derby game in the playoffs, it was really amazing.

“All the players are happy, everyone is happy – it feels really good. I’m happy we played that game,

“That game has given us much more confidence, and against Melbourne City we will go the same. way, and I think we can beat City.”

Mak also sympathised with Sky Blues coach Steve Corica. who has been under pressure at various stages during what has been a rollercoaster season for the Sydneysiders.

“Imagine how much pressure he was under. It must have been really difficult,” Mak said.

“Thee fans and everyone was thinking that this team can’t achieve anything, but one game, how it can change football, and here’s what’s happening now.

“I think everyone realises like this team has the character and has the big players, and is still one of the biggest teams in Australia – you cannot say no (to that).

“What we showed on Saturday is that we are still one of the best teams in Australia.”

Mak was reluctant to discuss teammate Joe Lolley’s hamstring injury.

Having come on as a second-half substitute against the Wanderers, Lolley was subsequently taken off after the Sky Blues went ahead late in the game.

“You need to ask him,” Mak said when asked about Lolley’s chances of being fit for Friday night.

Originally published as Sydney FC star Robert Mak says the Sky Blues have the ‘character’ and the players to beat Melbourne City