Ufuk Talay says Sydney FC can lay claim to being "the best team in the competition" but warned his side must approach their A-League Men finals campaign with the right attitude.
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Talay was keen to pump the brakes after his team's final-round 7-1 win over wooden spooners Perth Glory on Sunday, the largest victory of his tenure.
Sydney finished the regular season in fourth place and will host Macarthur in an elimination final on Saturday.
Sunday's annihilation of Perth was a sign of the potential Talay's youthful side possess as they seek to go on a run deep into the finals.
As well as they have played at times this season, the Sky Blues have sometimes struggled to back up major results.
They have lost both their games against the Bulls this season and failed to break down a nine-man Macarthur side in their most recent meeting.
But Talay stressed his team could trouble anyone if they remained on task.
"Finals football will be a lot different, they've beaten us twice this season," Talay said.
"But the boys know what we did well and what we didn't do well in the last game.
"We will be prepared and when the boys are on, I think we are the best team in the competition.
"But when we're a little bit off, teams will find the solution, but I'm sure the boys will be 100 per cent focused ahead of this game."
Talay took skipper Luke Brattan off at halftime on Sunday with Sydney leading 3-0, saying this was to avoid the influential midfielder receiving a suspension for accumulated yellow cards.
Brazilian striker Fabio Gomes did not face Perth but Talay was hopeful he would be fit again to face Macarthur.
"He's got a tight hamstring but I'm hoping he'll be training with the group this week and he'll be available for selection," Talay said.
Australian Associated Press
