Despite never playing in an A-League Grand Final before, Adam Le Fondre is no stranger to pressure.
Before he even kicked a ball this season, fans were touting the Englishman as the Sydney’s next great hope, following the departure of the record-breaking Bobo.
The former Reading striker needed no time to adjust, scoring seven goals in his first six competitive matches for Sydney FC. His goal tally currently sits at 23 in 36 matches in all competitions.
Le Fondre once scored a crucial goal to gain promotion into the Premier League for Reading, and put the nail in the coffin last week as Sydney FC booked their place in the Grand Final in style.
Drawing on his experience in the Championship, the 32-year-old says it is important not to get carried away ahead of big games.
“We’re sticking to our routine, we’re going to get a few more sessions in before Sunday,” he told FNR.
“It’s not too different to what we normally do, the boys are jumping at the bit to play but we just have to treat it like just a normal game.
“If you look at the home games we’ve played we were something else and unlucky not to get a result in Asia– but these are the fine margins against the best teams.
“We just want to win, that’s the be all and end all – we don’t care how we do it.”
“In the Championship [the promotion games] mean everything, they’re worth millions of pounds.
“If you get promoted it’s like going into the lottery, your side can go from strength to strength.
“Just look at Wolves, they haven’t looked back.”
Sydney FC will travel to Perth tomorrow morning in preparation for Sunday’s Grand Final.
Moreover, Le Fondre says he has “relished” life in Australia and has spoken highly of the league to former teammates who have expressed interest.
“It’s been a really good challenge, I’ve relished it,” he said.
“I’ve spoken to a few players who have expressed an interest in coming down here and I’ve told them great things about the leagues and what it can do to you.
“My family life is second to none, I’m ten minutes away from the beach.
“It’s hard not to live life here, it’s been outstanding for my family.”
Le Fondre still has another year left on his contract – with there being an option to extend for a third season.
