AAP
Sydney FC are set for a week of soul searching as they attempt to rebound from a "shambolic" performance which has cast serious doubts over their A-League title credentials.
The Sky Blues endured one of their darkest moments on Saturday night, conceding the second highest amount of goals in an A-League match in a 7-2 demolition by Central Coast in Gosford.
They were without star signing Alessandro Del Piero and a handful of other first-team players and the gulf in class was evident as Tom Rogic, Michael McGlinchey and Daniel McBreen ran riot.
But even with the Italian superstar set to return at home against Melbourne Victory on Saturday, Sydney have plenty to prove, with doubts mounting over their squad depth and ability to deliver on lofty pre-season expectations.
After a day off on Sunday, the Sky Blues resume training on Monday and goalkeeper Ivan Necevski said they would need to have a "good look at ourselves".
"It was shambolic ... To be honest it's a little bit embarrassing to have it happen to us," Necevski told ABC radio on Sunday.
"Sydney's set a very high standard and we've been the team that's prided ourselves on very good performances and results since the inception of the A-League.
"We have to sit down and work out what went wrong and make a big improvement against the Victory."
Sydney coach Ian Crook said Del Piero would be fit to return after he was cautiously left out against the Mariners due to tightness in both hamstrings.
The likes of defenders Pascal Bosschaart and Adam Griffiths and midfielder Jason Culina will draw closer to returns when they play in a practice match against Western Sydney on Tuesday, while Crook will also be desperate to welcome back left back Fabio and striker Joel Chianese from injury in the coming weeks.
While Sydney's injury count has clearly taken its toll, the Sky Blues have also proven their ability to grind out several important wins with understrength teams and Crook insists his players have the heart to bounce back.
"I don't think our supporters can be embarrassed by our players' lack of effort ... it was a lack of quality at certain times that let us down," Crook said.
A shining light for Crook in the loss was a lively performance from Panamanian striker Yairo Yau, who could retain his place against the Victory at the expense of an out-of-form Kruno Lovrek.
Reigning minor premiers Central Coast made a strong statement with the win and look likely to be challenging for silverware again with 10 points from five matches.
Rookies Western Sydney also notched back-to-back wins, defeating Melbourne Heart 2-1 at Parramatta Stadium on Friday night, while Perth ended Newcastle's three-match winning streak with a 3-2 victory at nib Stadium on Saturday.
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