Sydney FC coach Frank Farina's wiser for it all - Herald Sun

Sydney FC coach Frank Farina looks on after his side's loss to Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night. Picture: Chris Hyde Source: Getty Images

FRANK Farina's time away from football has him better prepared for the arduous and unforgiving task of returning Sydney FC to the top of the A-League.

While the former Roar coach's Suncorp Stadium comeback didn't go to plan on Thursday night when Brisbane beat the Sky Blues 3-1, Farina is relishing the challenge of turning Sydney into championship contenders.

"I've always said it was going to be a rollercoaster ride for Sydney FC this season," said Farina, who took over in November when they were last in the league.

"I had to change the confidence levels in the team and the mentality, and you don't do that overnight."

Or in two-thirds of a season it seems, judging by Sydney's insipid performance against the Roar when their campaign was on the line.

But Farina will now have an entire pre-season to re-shape the Sky Blues, where failure isn't an option.

"This club is a bit different," he said. "There are expectations and demands from supporters, the board - everyone.

"Even with Brisbane, everyone expects to do well and win it, but it's not demanded. If you don't win things, heads won't roll.

"But Sydney and probably Melbourne Victory have enormous demands on them.

"I've enjoyed it, though. That's what we do it for."

Farina's enjoyment also comes from the fact that he's back in the A-League.

After his sacking from the Roar for being caught drink driving while on his way to a morning training session, the former Socceroos coach's A-League adventure seemed over for good.

He had little involvement with football for the best part of 18 months before becoming involved with Papua New Guinea, where he coached the national team among other tasks.

"I got to see a different side of life," he said.

"In Papua New Guinea there are players that live in places that don't have electricity, don't have running water, then they come into the national team and it's like heaven for them.

"Am I better for it? Yes I am. Sometimes you've got to step aside and regather your thoughts. You can get a bit complacent in what you're doing.

"In my hiatus from the game, I realised that we're lucky people to be involved in football, doing something we love and getting paid good money to do it."

Farina, who turns 49 in September, said he held no grudges against the Roar board and owners that sacked him. "I made a mistake and it was as simple as that," he said.