Steve Corica hails squad depth as Sydney FC stretch A-League lead

The loss of key personnel isn’t worrying Sydney FC coach Steve Corica, who has hailed the runaway A-League leaders’ strength in depth.

Sydney FC defender Rhyan Grant, left, is sent off against Melbourne City on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

The loss of key personnel isn’t worrying Sydney FC coach Steve Corica, who has hailed the runaway A-League leaders’ strength in depth following a gutsy win over their closest rivals.

A 2-1 home victory over second-placed Melbourne City on Sunday gave the Sky Blues a nine-point buffer at the top of the league. While they are now firm favourites to win the Premiers Plate, Corica stressed that there was more than half the season remaining.

The Sky Blues produced a resolute defensive effort despite losing Rhyan Grant to a red card after 25 minutes and missing two other linchpins through injury, left back Michael Zullo (calf) and holding midfielder Brandon O’Neill (knee), who have both missed the last three games.

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Youngster Joel King has slotted into left back and versatile Paulo Retre has also played there as well as in midfield, with the latter a prime candidate to fill in at right back for the suspended Grant.

‘It’s very positive for us even without those two (O’Neill and Zullo),” Corica said.

“Paulo Retre has been wonderful in the midfield, Joel King is doing really well at left back.

“It just shows the depth that we have and the players that have come in have done a great job “It’s just business as normal, they know their roles they come in and do a great job.

“It makes it harder for these boys coming back to get back into the team because we keep winning.”

Sydney FC on Monday night confirmed they would appeal the match review panel’s decision to hand Grant a three-match ban for his red-card tackle on Melbourne City’s Nathaniel Atkinson.

“We will be appealing the decision of the independent match review panel on the basis of fact and comparative tackles that have gone unpunished,” the club said. “In addition, we would seek consideration for Rhyan Grant’s exemplary disciplinary record for both club and country. Rhyan has amassed close to 250 senior matches, largely as a defender, and has never received a red card.”

Connor Chapman is leaving Western United to join Daejeon Citizen FC in Korea. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

Meanwhile, Western United have confirmed that defender Connor Chapman and assistant coach John Hutchinson have left the A-League club.

Chapman will join K-League 2 side Daejeon Citizen FC for the 2020 campaign, pending a medical, while Hutchinson will pursue an overseas coaching opportunity.

Chapman, 25, returns to Korea having joined United on a two-year deal from K-League 1 side Pohang Steelers in March.

The defender’s departure leaves United light in numbers at the back, with Brendan Hamill and Aaron Calver picking up injuries in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Wellington Phoenix.

Hutchinson is reportedly set for a return to the USA.

“As a club we understand talented Aussie coaches and players wanting to test themselves overseas. Football is a global game and we’ll never stand in their way,” United chief executive Chris Pehlivanis said on the club’s official website.

“We thank both John and Connor for their contribution in this historic first season at our club.”

AAP