New Sydney FC coach John Kosmina might not plan to change things drastically in the wake of Branko Culina's sacking, but there was still a notable difference at his first training session.

The former Adelaide United mentor was barking instructions - and a bit of criticism - at his men as they came to grips with the new drills and very different approach.

Culina was rather quiet at training, often just watching on with his arms crossed.

Midfielder Ruben Zadkovich was pleased after Thursday's session though, saying Kosmina might just be the man to lift Sydney out of their rut.

"It was good to have Kossie, the boys were training well today and I think everyone's looking forward to a fresh start," said Zadkovich, who returns from suspension for this week's clash with A-League leaders Central Coast.

"He said to us `I'm not here to talk too much about things (that have happened), I'm just here to do the business', which I think is good and that's what the boys want."

Zadkovich said the players were already moving on from Culina's dismissal on Monday and were looking forward to the next chapter in the ever-intriguing story of Sydney FC.

"That's what's happened and I've just got to deal with it," he said.

"I'm a player and I've just got to do my job. Kosmina's the new coach and I'm looking forward to it. It could be a good thing.

"There's no point being pessimistic about things. We've got a new coach and hopefully he can bring something to the team, and I'm sure he will. All the players are of the same opinion."

With only nine points from nine games, including four losses at home, the sky blues are desperate for all three points against the Mariners at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday as they bid to stay in touch with the top four.

The Mariners will be boosted by new signing John Aloisi, while Sydney could introduce former Leeds striker Michael Bridges, subject to a visa clearance Kosmina hoped would be sorted out by the weekend.

Bridges looked in very good touch at Thursday's session, inducing calls like, "That's champagne football Bridgey" from his colleagues as he pulled out back heels and cross-legged flicks.

"He looked very good. He's a very impressive player," Kosmina said of the 29-year-old.

"He'll be a good chance of starting if all the paperwork is in place."

While largely positive today, Kosmina did admit he had some work to do to change the attitudes of his players.

"I've got to get their heads right and turn them into winners again," said Kosmina. "Football is a state of mind.

"If you've got the right attitude it goes a long way.

"But I don't think their needs to be a lot of change around the place to be honest. Change just for the sake of change isn't good."

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