Sky Blues intent on strong finish to A-League season as coach Ufuk Talay commits to two more years at the club

Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay has been trying to strike the right balance of giving younger players a chance while still bidding to win silverware.

Sydney FC might be in “transition”, but Sky Blues coach Ufuk Talay won’t be satisfied if his side fails to win this season’s A-League championship.

Talay has confirmed he has agreed to terms on a new deal to remain in charge of Sydney for another two seasons.

The club’s 2024-25 campaign hasn’t gone entirely to plan, with the Sky Blues missing the chance to secure millions of dollars after being knocked out in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Two competition.

The A-League premiership has also eluded Talay’s men, but ahead of Sunday’s clash against Western United at Ironbark Fields, the Sky Blues’ hopes of playing finals football remain in their own hands.

“It’s been a bit of a transition season,” Talay said.

“The strategy has changed. We’re blooding some youngsters, and the club’s made some sales over the past two seasons – it’s a business at the end of the day.

“You still want to be competitive, but at the same time blood some youth and make some sales of players.

“It’s a bit of a balance and we’re still going through that process while we’re still trying to win trophies.”

Ufuk Talay is set to remain in charge of Sydney FC for another two seasons. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

A win over Western United, who are also hoping to secure finals football, would further boost Sydney’s chances finishing in the top six ahead the Sky Blues’ final game of the regular season next Saturday against Melbourne City at AAMI Park.

“We’ve got two important games and we want to finish as high as we can on the table,” Talay said.

“There is plenty on the line for a lot of the teams at the moment. Everyone’s got everything to play for in the last couple of rounds.”

Including Western United, who will be desperate to return to winning ways on Sunday after suffering back-to-back defeats.

United players have also had to contend with reported financial issues affecting the club, although speculation is that the club is about to be sold to new owners, which should ensure long-term security.

Meanwhile, United attacker Michael Ruhs will leave the club at the end of the season to join Brisbane Roar.

Ruhs, 22, had scored eight goals in 49 appearances – 28 off the bench – in all competitions for United since joining the club in February 2023.

Originally published as Sky Blues intent on strong finish to A-League season as coach Ufuk Talay commits to two more years at the club