Adelaide United goalkeeper, Joe Gauci, said he was happy with manner in which the Reds’ commenced their pre-season match schedule.
United faced Cove FC in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday evening, running-out 8-1 winners over their National Premier League opposition.
Speaking about the fixture, Gauci said the game would go a long way in preparing Carl Veart’s side for the upcoming A-Leagues season.
First pre-season hit-out:
“I thought it was a good first game.
“With it being so early in preseason, it’s good to get back playing games as quickly as possible.
“For many of us, it’s been two months without playing any games, so it was nice to be able to put the things we’re been working on in training into practice and also to just get more match fitness as well.
“The fitness you need to play a football game is different to what you get from just running and the other conditioning aspects of our training.
“So being able to not only get the physical benefits, but also the tactical benefits, was good.”
Facing his brother, Jed:
“It was quite strange because we’ve never shared the field before.
“Jed’s four years younger than me, so we’ve never been able to share the field, but it was really cool.
“I thought he did quite well actually.
“I mean, he conceded some absolute screamer is from Nestory (Irankunda) and Luka (Jovanović) and a penalty, which makes it tough.
“But he made some good saves and it was cool to see him play against professional players and for all the boys that play for Cove to get the opportunity to play against a professional side.
“I know, myself, from when I was playing in the local leagues the you look forward to the opportunity to play against Adelaide United and it’s a great experience.
“I’m sure Jed loved it and the rest of his teammates, regardless of the result.
“It was also great to strengthen that connection with Cove, as a club, too.”
Pre-season to-date:
“It’s been good, but it’s been tough.
“A lot of the boys have come back in really good shape and one of the great things about keeping the squad together over the last couple of years is that everyone’s on the same page.
“We all know what’s expected from the coaching staff, the strength and conditioning team, and the physios, so we’ve all come back relatively fit and strong.
“And each preseason that I’ve been at the Club everyone has become fitter and fitter and myself included, so now, whilst pre-season has been really challenging so far, everyone’s come back in really good condition which will make it easier for us in the long-run.
“The same goes for the boys in rehab.
“Everyone is working hard and pulling in the same direction and we’re going to be ready when the season finally comes around.”
Result:
2023/24 Pre-Season Friendly – Tuesday, 18 July 2023
The Cove FC 1 (unknown)
Adelaide United 8 (Jovanović, Irankunda, Bernardo, Clough, Carocci, Crawford, Porter x 2)
Southern Sports Facility
