Adelaide United Ninja A-League head coach, Adrian Stenta, spoke with United Media ahead of his side’s first match at Marden this season.
Stenta on the the side’s Round Nine performance against the Newcastle Jets in tough conditions…
“The performance was quite strong, especially in the first half and early in the second while the pitch was still playable. We scored some nice goals and we played some good football. But, Newcastle played well in the conditions too. I think it was a very good match and a good advertisement for our League and our game, despite the conditions.
“It was just unfortunate that probably in the last 10 or 15 minutes, the pitch deteriorated to the point where I think it became unsafe for the players and I was surprised that the referees allowed it to continue beyond that point.”
Stenta on the overall learnings for the team from the extended away trip…
“The opportunity to spend some time away together was fantastic; two tough opponents and tough places to go and play. So, to pick up four points was really pleasing and just goes to show that the group is resilient and able to perform well and get positive results against any opposition and at any venue- home or away.”
Stenta on returning back home to Marden for the first time this season…
“We’re really looking forward to playing at home. The Men’s team are away, so it would be great to have as many Reds supporters out as possible at Marden. It’s a good venue to come and watch and it’s Sunday, which is a good time slot. We love playing at home. We love playing in front of a vocal crowd, and we’d be really grateful if as many people as possible could come out and give us some support, because it makes the players find a new gear and move to another level when we’re able to play at home in front of our family, friends, and supporters.”
Stenta on the team’s mentality coming off a congested fixture schedule…
“Mentality is looking great and the group is looking fresh and fit. We’ve got a big squad, so if we need to we can lean on those who haven’t played as many minutes. But, every team is in the same boat. We’ve trained this morning and the players look fresh, so we’re looking forward to the challenge of another game. We’d rather be playing than training, so it’s great to have so many games in such a short space of time.”
Stenta on Erin Healy’s injury status following her half-time substitution against Newcastle…
“It’s something [Erin’s toe injury] that’s not getting any worse and it’s something that she’s able to play with, we just need to manage her carefully. It’s a week-by-week and game-by-game thing and what we think is best for Erin in the long-term. She knows her body well and she puts her hand up for selection. We’ve got no issue with picking her and knowing she’ll do a great job.”
Stenta on the side’s undefeated start to 2025…
“I know we conceded three goals against Newcastle, and a couple late, but I think one of the strengths over the last month or so has just been how difficult we’ve been to score against. So, I think one of the takeaways is that we can be a really strong side defensively. We put our mind to it and we play the style that we want to play defensively, and then it was great just to get on the scoreboard again and score multiple goals in the game as well.
“I think we’ve improved our ability to create and hit the back of the net as well. So, it’s fantastic at both ends of the park; we’re seeing some improvement and forward progress. The group is getting better each week with that.”
Stenta on our upcoming opposition in the Wellington Phoenix…
“They’re probably the in-form team in the competition at the moment with a string of good results, and they’ll come here with a lot of confidence. Last night’s performance [against Western Sydney Wanderers] for them was quite a strong one as well.
“We know that we need to be prepared and that they’re a capable side if we allow them to play the way that they want to play. Whilst they’ll pose some problems for us, we’re confident that we can do the same back to them, and they’ll have to deal with what we throw at them as well. So, it should be a really entertaining game, and it’s another reason why I encourage a lot of people to come out and get a big and vocal crowd behind us, because I think it’ll be a fantastic spectacle.”
