Sydney FC defender Alexandar Popovic admits the Sky Blues must improve to have any hope of winning the A-League title, but says belief is strong among his teammates ahead of Saturday night\u2019s semi-final first-leg against Newcastle at Allianz Stadium.<\/p>\n
The Sky Blues snatched a late winner in last Saturday\u2019s elimination final against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park to secure a shot at the A-League premiers over two legs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t have our best game (against Victory), and we have a lot to improve on if we want to win the whole thing … (but) we\u2019re Sydney FC \u2013 we always have to be confident,\u201d Popovic said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can never count us out. We know we can come back from anything. We always believe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Popovic said the semi-final battle with the Jets would hinge on \u201cwho wants it more\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe approach it like any other game. We listen to the boss (coach Patrick Kisnorbo), try to execute the plan and work as hard as we can,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got a lot of quality, and we just want to keep improving.\u201d<\/p>\n
That \u201cquality\u201d includes star English winger Joe Lolley, who is set to make his first appearance since early March when he suffered a serious ankle injury.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone knows what Joe can provide for this team. We\u2019re just happy to have him back fit and involved again,\u201d Popovic said.<\/p>\n
Sydney midfielder Wataru Kamijo said Kisnorbo, who has only had five games in charge of the Sky Blues following the departure of Ufuk Talay, had instilled confidence in the squad.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve just got to keep listening to what he says,\u201d said 20-year-old Kamijo, who has grabbed the opportunities given to him by Kisnorbo after struggling for game time under Talay.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really exciting for me. Playing right now is really enjoyable.\u201d<\/p>\n