Football: Del Piero the leader steps up for Sydney

Alessandro Del Piero
Alessandro Del Piero
He may not be captain but Alessandro Del Piero looked every inch the leader as he set about helping Sydney FC turn their poor A-League start around.

Del Piero held court several times at training today, looking all business as he gave the benefit of his vast experience.

Sydney's senior team had a spirited match with their youth team with coach Ian Crook barking instructions as they worked to adapt to the possession game he wants.

During a break, players formed a circle in the middle of the ground with Crook talking to his team before 37-year-old Del Piero appeared to lay the law down to the side.

Sydney made a horrible start to the A-League season last Saturday when they fell 2-0 to Wellington in what was a disjointed attacking performance when they regularly handed over possesion and struggled to get the ball to Del Piero.

They have the chance to make amends on Saturday against Newcastle at Allianz Stadium in what will be Del Piero's first home game for the Sky Blues.

Defender Brett Emerton said Del Piero had some clear views on how Sydney could turn their form around and expressed those to the team.

"He's obviously very knowledgable and experienced player so he's given us advice and pin-pointed what he thinks we can improve on," Emerton said.

"Obviously as players we take that on board and I'm sure the coaching staff will do as well."

Del Piero, who captained Italy and led his club side Juventus for over a decade, finished the session by having some fun as a goalkeeper while teammates blasted a few shots at him.

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