One of the A-League’s biggest stars slams the competition’s critics after season from hell – and reveals his fix for Aussie soccer’s biggest problem

Macarthur FC recruit Chris Ikonomidis is ‘optimistic’ the upcoming A-League season will be one to savour – and also issued a plea to fans which would help solve the code’s biggest problem – come and see games in the flesh.

Ikonomidis, 29, spoke to Daily Mail Australia this week at the official launch for Macarthur FC, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers, and was adamant domestic football is here to stay.

The fighting words come despite last season being plagued by streaming dramas on Paramount +, subsequent poor ratings and the salary cap being dramatically reduced. 

‘The sport has always been critiqued in this country,’ the attacking winger said.

‘I am optimistic it will be a successful season, the Matildas showed during the World Cup [last year] the fans are out there.

‘If teams are winning and scoring plenty of goals, the crowds will be healthy.

‘The league has also been around for 20 years now.’

Sydney FC winger Joe Lolley is another player who wants to see plenty of people burst through the gates on match days.

Sydney FC winger Joe Lolley also wants to see plenty of people burst through the gates on match days

Socceroos winger Brandon Borrello has no doubt former Chelsea star Juan Mata will be a smash hit at the Western Sydney Wanderers

The Sky Blues will be competition favourites in the eyes of many, due mainly due to their savvy recruitment.

Brazilian superstar Douglas Costa is tipped to light up the league, with Polish striker Patryk Klimala and Moroccan midfielder Anas Ouahim settling in well under coach Ufuk Talay.

‘We have had a great start [in the AFC Cup], winning our first two games comfortably, Lolley said.

‘The new players are quality, I’m excited about what we can do. 

‘In terms of the league, we just need to show people that the quality is there. ‘The more fans at games, the better.’ 

The A-League season officially starts on Friday, October 18 when the Central Coast Mariners host Melbourne Victory.

Match of the round some 24 hours later sees Alen Stajcic’s Western Sydney Wanderers – featuring former Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata – entertain Sydney FC in a derby from Commbank Stadium in Parramatta. 

Socceroos winger Brandon Borrello has no doubt the decorated Spanish international will be a smash hit.

‘He can still run rings around players,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.

‘Instinctively, he is unbelievable. I’m looking forward to playing alongside Juan.’