Steve Corica starts mind games after Sky Blues’ win over Glory

Finals football is still a couple of weeks away, but Sydney FC coach Steve Corica has already started the mind games.

Sydney FC’s Milos Ninkovic looks to weave his way past Perth Glory players at the SCG on Thursday night. Picture: Getty Images

Finals football is still a weeks away, but Sydney FC coach Steve Corica has already started the mind games.

Buoyed by Thursday night’s 1-0 win over Perth Glory — the Sky Blues’ second win in three games this season against the recently crowned premiers — Corica wasn’t going to miss the chance for a bit of one-upmanship.

With Glory having wrapped up their first trophy in the A-League era, Glory coach Tony Popovic opted to rest a number of key players and made six changes to last week’s side, but the Sydney boss was having none of that.

“That win was a mental one because we have now beaten them twice in three games. We played them away from home twice, winning once and losing once, and to come to our home and win again … it showed great character,” Corica said. “Of course, they have had a very good season winning the Premiers Plate but our guys were sensational.

“Yes, they had some players out, but so did we. We didn’t have (Michael) Zullo or (Alex) Brosque.

“There is still a bit of football to be played, but it was still important to get another win over them. The boys know they have beaten them twice now.”

Popovic, however, wasn’t buying too much into the argument when asked what the result meant.

“To us, it means we didn’t go undefeated away from home, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying,” Popovic said. “Whatever they (Sydney FC) gain from it, they gain from it.

“We gained everything but the result, and we don’t have any ­injuries.”

Given the circumstances, ­Popovic could not have been happier with his team’s effort.

The post-match celebrations after last week’s win over Newcastle Jets that secured the Premiers Plate were probably a little bit of a distraction.

The six changes were significant also, particularly in the front line, where he promoted Jacob Italiano, Fabio Ferreira and Brendon Santalab. It meant the likes of Diego Castro was on the bench and prolific goalscorer Andy Keogh did not make the trip.

“It was always a risk to make all those changes and probably unfair of me to put those three in that position because they have had very little game time,” Popovic said. “But they needed the minutes in their legs. It gives us a good chance to be ready for what is ahead in the finals.”

Importantly for Perth, their next two games — the last match of the regular season against Wellington Phoenix tomorrow week and the major semi-final two weeks after that — will be at home.

If they win the major semi-final and qualify for the grand final on May 18 or 19, they will not have had to travel for almost a month.

Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory have to contend with Asian Champions League campaigns that will require travel.

Sydney FC fly out to China today to prepare for their match against Shanghai SIPG on Tuesday, and then have to back up against Newcastle four days later.

Popovic said: “I am not aware how many games those clubs have to play. For me, this is our last away trip and we look forward to being at home for the rest of the season.’’

Corica is unperturbed by his team’s schedule and has placed his full trust in his strength and conditioning and medical staff.

“Everyone is doing a great job under the circumstances. Zullo and Brosquey probably won’t travel to China, but everyone else is fit and well,” he said.