Some teams in awe of us, says Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold claims some A-League sides are “in awe” of his team but not Melbourne Victory.

Graham Arnold puts his Sydney FC players through their paces at Macquarie University sports fields. Picture: Gregg Porteous.

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold believes some A-League sides are “in awe” of his team but says tomorrow’s opposition, Melbourne Victory, aren’t one of them.

The Sky Blues will host their fierce rivals full of confidence after racing to the top of the ­
A-League ladder with four wins from as many games — a club-record start.

“I’m definitely seeing one or two teams so far that have been in awe of us,” Arnold said yesterday.

“Newcastle played a back five last week which showed us straight away that there’s a great amount of respect for us and they were in fear of us.

“I think that’s the type of aura we’re getting at the moment. The players are walking with a swagger. They’re very confident and we’re very confident in what we’re doing.”

Asked if he thought Victory would be similarly fearful, Arnold said: “No, I don’t think Melbourne will. Kevin Muscat has been doing, and has done, a fantastic job at Melbourne.”

Third-placed Victory have strung together back-to-back wins since being embarrassed in their derby by Melbourne City, including a 6-1 pummelling of Wellington Phoenix on Monday.

“I know they’re going to come up and be full of aggression, full of passion,” Arnold said. “They’ve got some very good players but so have we. We have to match that aggression.”

Arnold has added attackers Bernie Ibini and George Blackwood to an extended squad, however, the only change he is likely to make is returning veteran David Carney to the left flank and moving captain Alex Brosque to the bench.

Maintaining Sydney’s sizzling start to the season remains Arnold’s only concern amid overseas interest in his services.

The Sky Blues coach was this week linked with Dutch franchise NAC Breda, who are understood to be eager to lure their former player back. And despite being in the final year of his contract at Sydney FC, a tight-lipped Arnold said he wasn’t concerned about his long-term future.

“I’m happy with where everything’s at. I’m just focusing on the game on Saturday night, and continuing to win. Everything will take care of itself,” he said.

“I’m in a good headspace at the moment. I feel very good here at the club. As I said, everything will take care of itself over time.”

Breda, a Dutch second division club, are tied to City Football Group, owners of Manchester City and Melbourne City.

AAP