Sydney FC coach Steve Corica leans on Socceroos boss for advice with A-League job on the line

With the pressure mounting to keep his job, Sydney FC manager Steve Corica knew the perfect person to call: Socceroos boss Graham Arnold.

The pair had previously worked together at Sky Blues, and with the A-League heavyweights struggling this season, Corica sounded like the man who shocked the world in Qatar when he was in charge of Australia late last year.

Arnold’s advice was simple: ignore outside noise in the form of keyboard warriors, and stick with their philosophies.

Corica’s players responded on Australia Day, coming from a goal down to defeat Melbourne Victory 2-1 at AAMI Park.

Luke Brattan of Sydney FC celebrates winning the A-League round 14 men’s match between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC at AAMI Park

“I spoke to Arnie, he said it’s similar, family takes the brunt of it, they’re more sensitive to criticism,” Corica said after the game.

“To be honest I don’t really read too many headlines, I would say it’s harder on my family because of social media and stuff like that, it’s never nice.”

‘I also have three children, so they will probably take it a little harder, and so does my wife.

“When you’re the manager, obviously you accept criticism and it’s been difficult, let’s face it, it hasn’t been easy, but I’m pretty strong and I believe in what I’m doing and what the players are.” doing.’

With the pressure mounting to keep his job, Sydney FC manager Steve Corica knew the perfect person to call: Socceroos boss Graham Arnold.

Arnold’s advice was simple: ignore the outside noise and stick with their philosophies. The Corica players responded on Australia Day, coming from a goal down to defeat Melbourne Victory 2-1

The crucial three points along the way lift Sydney FC to seventh in the standings, but they are just another win away from third-place Western Sydney Wanderers.

Corica, who has been head coach since 2018, knows that a winning streak will keep the Wolves at bay.

He also insists that his team is “not too far” from where it should be, and now they have a chance to fight for a place in the final.

“We can build on this result,” he said.

“We’ve had very good conversations with the leadership group and I think at the end of the day, I take responsibility, obviously I’m the head coach, I’m also to blame.”

Crucial three points at AAMI Park lift Sydney FC to seventh on the ladder and take some of the pressure off Corica

“The players obviously also feel the pressure when the pressure is on the coach.

“That’s all they have to do, keep working hard for each other and they have the quality to win games and if they keep doing that we’ll keep moving up the table.”

Corica has also expressed his desire to remain in charge amid rumors that Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke, also a former Sydney FC teammate, is interested in taking over if the club decides to go in a different direction.

Yorke was coaching A-League rivals Macarthur FC but left after just 13 games when he branded the Bulls a ‘pub team’ in a withering spray following a 1-0 defeat against Adelaide. January 20.

“As a football manager, you understand what football is about and it’s about results and getting good results for the club,” Corica said.

“And I’ve done it in the past and I’m sure I’m going to continue to do it.”