Lavicka denies Carle reliance

Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka has denied talk his side is too reliant on the wizardry of Nicky Carle.

The Sky Blues are enjoying a strong start to the season, sitting in second position on the back of a four-game unbeaten run.

Their form has been built more on a well-drilled and structured defence rather than any free-flowing and free-scoring football.

Goalkeeper Liam Reddy is close to the best form of his career while new defensive signings Jamie Coyne, Michael Beauchamp and Pascal Bosschaart have gelled particularly well.

But at the other end of the field Sydney have managed just seven goals in their first six games, with even last placed Gold Coast (eight) scoring more than Lavicka’s side.

And most of the Sky Blues’ attacking burden has fallen on the shoulders of Carle, with the 29-year-old scoring three and setting up another two of Sydney’s current haul, but Lavicka denied Sydney were a one-man team.

“Nicky is doing a great job for us. He’s a valuable player because he sets up the goals and he has score goals for us this season.”

“But Sydney FC is not about one player only.”

“We know we need to improve as a team in attack.”

“It’s one goal before we play the Mariners this weekend.”

Skipper Terry McFlynn added: “Championships are built on defence.”

“We know if we can get that part right, which we have, we can build on the rest.”

“(Mark Bridge) Bridgey’s starting to score now, Nicky’s (Carle) scoring goals, Bruno’s (Cazarine) got goals, there’s goals right throughout the team.”

One of the players that could add goals to the Sydney side is Socceroos star Brett Emerton who will return to the side from national team duty for the clash with the Central Coast on Saturday.

Emerton played the full 90 minutes for the Socceroos against Thailand on Tuesday and set up the winning goal for Brett Holman.

He will come straight back into the starting side in place of Rhyan Grant, who will be away with the Olyroos with fellow Sky Blues Sebatian Ryall and Dimitri Petratos.

“We are happy Emmo (Emerton) did a good performance. His confidence is probably high,” Lavicka said.

“Now he’s coming back to Sydney this morning to get the medical checking before (the game) and some recovery only.”

“He’ll be ready to play for us.”