Dutch defender, Bart Vriends is confident heading into tomorrow night’s clash against Melbourne City, praising Andrioli’s highly detailed training sessions and the chemistry between the backline.
Vriends on the team’s start to the season...
“I have a very positive feeling about it. Obviously, we’ve won two home games but unfortunately we lost two away games. But even in those games, I think we showed good character and pretty good football, especially against Macarthur. I think we are a team that’s not an easy beat and we’ll show that for the rest of the season. We’re still improving and progressing. We look sharp and energetic and will look to continue that.”
Vriends on life under Airton Andrioli….
“It’s hard to pinpoint what is actually different but in general, he’s very detailed. I like the way his training sessions are built and he’s trying to implement different types of play for us depending on the opponent. I’m enjoying the energy on the training pitch and everyone is involved. Everyone sticks together and is positive and that is all credit to Airton.”
Vriends on fellow Dutch compatriot, Joshua Smits…
“I’m happy with my boy, Joshy behind me. We spend quite a lot of time together at trainings and I was able to show him a bit of Adelaide. He’s settled in really well. As a goalkeeper, I think what he shows is good composure and experience behind me and Pana [Kikianias] and the rest of the backline, which helps us massively.”
Vriends on Panagiotis Kikianis’ growth…
“He’s a bit of a character, he’s a personality and he’s a very good player. I’ve said it before but he’s got a bright future as a player. I was basically waiting for him to step out and speak up as more of a leader and he’s started to do that over the course of last year. Now he’s in the leadership group and that is full credit to him. He deserves it and he’s one of the leaders in the team now and that is because of the way he’s playing and also because he’s a vocal centre back and that’s what we need. So with me and him partnering together, I think we have two players that try to communicate in the centre of the park and that’s really important. He’s very eager to learn and improve.”
Vriends on tomorrow night’s clash against Melbourne City…
“I’ve seen the stat of the results from us at home against City over the last ten years and it looks in our favour! Melbourne City are one of the best teams in the League. They are very well organised, play with high energy, and are an aggressive team and a very solid team to play against, but we’ve got a good track record against them and I think we have a lot of confidence.
“We come in with a lot of confidence because of the first four games of the League we’ve played. I’m really looking forward to another Friday night at Coopers. It’s been beautiful. Let’s enjoy a football fest again on Friday night.”
Vriends on life in Adelaide…
“Football comes first. It’s great to see all the effort put in on the pitch here from the boys and in the gym. We all have lunch and then after just enjoy the city and of Adelaide and the state of South Australia. I’ve been around now for over a year with my girlfriend and we love Adelaide so far. This country and this city has a lot to offer for foreign players. It’s been a fantastic experience so far and it all starts on the pitch with results and that’s what we’re here for.
