AAP
They would welcome him back with open arms for Saturday night's A-League derby, but midfielder Jason Culina claims Sydney FC have the talent and belief to win again without injured talisman Alessandro Del Piero.
Del Piero is racing the clock to overcome hamstring issues ahead of the second Sydney derby against new boys Western Sydney Wanderers, training away from the squad on Wednesday in a bid to get his ageing body right.
But coming off a morale-boosting away win over Wellington under new coach Frank Farina last weekend, Culina said confidence was high throughout the A-League's last-placed team.
"We're a good team, we've known that all along," Culina said.
"It's just that we haven't been picking up the results for whatever reason.
"If we're all working hard and we're all working together - because it is a team sport - then it makes our jobs a lot easier.
"Alessandro is one of those special players that can do things on his own ... it would be great to have him on board as soon as possible but whether we win with or without certain players, I think a win always gives a team confidence.
"It was a good result but we've still got a lot to work on."
The win over the Phoenix was Culina's first start since January 2011 as he struggled to overcome knee troubles that at one stage threatened his career.
Not only did he start but the former Socceroo also came up with a goal line run and crucial sweet cross for Sydney's first goal during his 60 minutes on the field.
"I'm building," Culina said, having spent most of Wednesday's session on the exercise bike.
"I've been out for a long time.
"The first game I played I played 20 (minutes), then came on for 30 the week after and finished 60 last week.
"I'm slowly building on it .. the fitness will eventually come, that's probably what's holding me back at the moment."
While they remained stuck at the bottom of the ladder despite the win across the Tasman, Sydney FC are now just one victory behind the fourth-placed Wanderers.
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