Ufuk Talay expects his new-look frontline boasting Douglas Costa to begin life with a bang as the Brazilian winger prepares for his first hit-out in Sydney FC colours.
Costa will 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 former Juventus and Bayern Munich wide man got through an hour of work in a behind-closed-doors match last week and is likely to start on the left wing against Eastern.
Englishman Joe Lolley is expected to feature on the right flank with new Polish striker Patryk Klimala leading the line.
And while he stressed that Costa was not yet at full fitness, Talay wants his attacking trio 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.”
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 said: “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.
Sydney announced on Wednesday they had secured the signature of Olyroos centreback Alexandar Popovic, 22, from Korean club Gwanju on a loan deal until the end of January.
