Sydney FC's Brazilian Star Ready To Shine In AFC Champions League
The Sky Blues host Hong Kong outfit Eastern SC in Group E AFC Champions League Two clash at Jubilee Stadium, with Sky Blues coach Ufuk Talay confirming that Costa would play from the opening whistle in his competitive debut for his new club.
The former Juventus and Bayern Munich star is set to make his Sydney FC debut at Jubilee Oval on Thursday (8pm kick-off) as the Sky Blues face Hong Kong side Eastern SC in the group stage of Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2).
The livewire winger has been lauded by Talay for his professionalism and his ability to lift the spirits of the team. Talay expressed confidence that Costa, despite not being fully match fit, will be able to make a significant impact.
"He’s in a good place at the moment," Talay said of Costa. "Is he fully match fit? Probably not, but with what he gives us at the moment, he’ll definitely do a good job. We’ll push him as far as he can go. We’ll review it as the game goes on, whether he comes off or whether he stays on the park, but I’m very happy so far with what he’s been doing. He’s a great professional. He’s fantastic in the change-room. He’s lifted a lot of spirits and a lot of expectations at the same time in the group."
Financial Incentive For Sydney FC
Sydney FC's CEO, Mark Aubrey, highlighted the substantial financial rewards associated with success in the AFC Champions League. The winning cheque for the AFC Champions League Two is a staggering $US3.2 million, which converts to $A4.7 million. Teams also earn money for winning matches along the way to the final.
"There’s a huge financial windfall that’s game-changing for clubs," Aubrey said. "We’re super excited about our team this season and putting a squad together that can compete in Asia. If you happen to be successful then there are really strong financial benefits."
Aubrey emphasized Sydney FC's ambition to grow its brand and reputation, aiming to become recognized as one of Asia's top clubs.
"Sydney’s one of the most iconic cities in the world, and if you think about the world’s great football clubs, they build reputations that transcend their domestic market," he said.
New-Look Sydney FC Attacking Arsenal
Costa is part of a dangerous Sydney attacking arsenal that also includes English winger Joe Lolley and Polish striker Patryk Klimala, who has joined the Sky Blues on loan from Sląsk Wrocław.
The former Celtic and New York Red Bulls marksman is expected to lead the line, with Lolley featuring on the right flank and Costa starting on the left wing. Talay expects his new-look frontline to start their Asian campaign with purpose.
"I expect them to hit the ground running," Talay said. "Douglas has been working hard, a great professional and he's been fantastic in lifting the spirits in the changing room. We'll push him as far as he can go and we'll review as the game goes on whether he comes off or stays on the park. But I'm very happy so far with what he's been doing."
A Fresh Start For The Sky Blues
The ACL2 is a reshaped competition of the AFC Cup, the second-tier Asian competition which was won by the Central Coast Mariners last season.
Talay expressed his excitement about the upcoming campaign, acknowledging the importance of representing both the club and the country.
"When I was here previously in the 2018/19 season (as an assistant coach), I thought we had a good (Asian) campaign. We dropped a few points in certain games, but the aim is to do well. We want to represent, firstly our country and then also our club."
Sydney will also face Filipino side Kaya FC and Japanese outfit Sanfreece Hiroshima in the home-and-away group-stage fixtures. The Sky Blues begin their A-League Men campaign on 19 October with a derby against the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Looking Ahead
Sydney FC's clash against Eastern SC promises to be an exciting start to their AFC Champions League campaign. With a new-look attacking line-up and the arrival of a star player like Costa, the Sky Blues are well-positioned to make a strong run in the competition. The team's ambition to grow its brand on the global stage, coupled with the significant financial incentives, adds further weight to their pursuit of success in Asia.
The anticipation surrounding Costa's debut and Sydney FC's ambitions in the AFC Champions League is building. The Sky Blues are ready to make their mark on the continental stage.
New Kit, New Era
The Sky Blues will unveil their new Under Armour home kit for the 2024-25 campaign when they host Hong Kong outfit Eastern SC on Thursday night at Jubilee Oval.
The kit features a "one-of-a-kind sketch" of the Sydney Opera House, with the design honouring the Harbour City’s "cultural significance while proudly staying true to the club’s Sky Blue heritage".
Costa, who has donned a host of famous strips in his decorated career, including those of Brazil, Juventus and Bayern Munich, liked the look and feel of Sydney’s new playing attire.
"I really like it … I only wear iconic jerseys,” said the livewire winger, who celebrated his 34th birthday on Saturday. "Sydney is a winning club, so it’s a match with me being here. It’s time to win. I’m very excited and I can’t wait to get started in my first game. I’ve had a big welcome from everyone, and that will also help me deliver on the pitch."
Costa is ready to make another playing strip “iconic” as he prepares for his official Sydney FC debut. He is excited to start his first game, and hopes to deliver on the pitch after a warm welcome from the team.
