Alessandro Del Piero says he is in no rush to finalise his Sydney FC future as he pours all his energy into helping resurrect the Sky Blues' dismal Hyundai A-League season.
Alessandro Del Piero says he is in no rush to finalise his Sydney FC future as he pours all his energy into helping resurrect the Sky Blues' dismal Hyundai A-League season.
Del Piero's stay in the harbour city beyond this season is still unclear, with the Sky Blues yet to decide whether they will take up the option of a second year for the veteran striker.
The former Italian international has been a shining light in what has been a horror campaign for the two-time champions, who are running last with just three wins from 12 games.
Del Piero is desperate for the club to get things right on the field and while admitting he is loving life in Sydney, he is prepared to put contract talks aside to focus on hauling the Sky Blues up the table.
"I have spent a really good time here," the 2006 World Cup winner told reporters on Wednesday.
"We have time to discuss that but at the moment the best thing for me, the club, the players and everyone is to concentrate on the games.
"We have to worry about this next period because it's very difficult for us and we have to put all our energy, mental and physical, into it.
"I'm not worried about other things. I'm really enjoying it ... but now have to win a couple more games for more enjoyment."
Asked when he hoped to have his future resolved, Del Piero said: "Everything is clear for me and the club.
"We can do it earlier than what we think but the contract is not a stress for me.
"I'm really happy to be here. I want to put all my knowledge and heart into this at the moment and not to talk about (a new deal)."
The Sky Blues are six points adrift of the finals spots ahead of a tough three-game stretch which starts with league leaders Central Coast at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.
Tough away trips against Adelaide and Perth all follow within 10 days in a period that is likely to define the club's season.
"It's not too late but the time is rolling and that's why we have to move quicker and get some points," Del Piero said.
"We are in trouble for sure. We've had a lot of losses, injuries ... but this is not an excuse for us.
"We understand we're not in (the best) confidence to play a game without pressure and stress but this is the hurdle we have to jump over with heart, fight, passion and hopefully some luck for us."
Defender Pascal Bosschaart (calf) will again be absent for Sydney after missing the loss to Newcastle, while Jason Culina returns, named in the squad on Wednesday.
Sky Blues coach Frank Farina criticised his players for their lack of fight against the Jets and expects a reaction against the high-flying Mariners.
"It's not nice as a player to cop a bit of a verbal lashing but when it's deserved it will happen," Farina said.
"It was deserved last week.
"They're professional players and they need to react in the right way and I think they have this week. I hope that will show in Thursday's game."
Skipper Terry McFlynn missed Wednesday's training session due to a virus but is expected to be right to start against the Mariners.
Youngster Peter Triantis could earn his first start if the Northern Irishman is ruled out.