Adelaide United Head Coach Airton Andrioli is backing his side to respond against Perth Glory on Sunday, with belief and a strong collective effort central to the Reds’ approach.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure from Adelaide Airport, Andrioli reflected on Thursday’s AFC Champions League Two defeat to Lion City Sailors, the demands of a busy schedule and his continued confidence in the squad.
On responding against Perth…
“We’re a little bit disappointed with the result last Thursday, but we have to focus on the next game, which is Perth on Sunday, and hopefully we can bounce back, get a result and then move on to Singapore.
“We always talk about things that we can do better. We want to make sure that we analyse the games and correct those mistakes that happen.
“We’ve got three games coming now in a short window of time. The first one is Sunday. Hopefully we can put in a good performance, then we concentrate on the next two matches.”
On the lessons from Thursday…
“The second goal that we conceded on Thursday night was a transition moment when we were trying to push to equalise. The main issue probably was conceding the goal from the corner, which normally we defend really well.
“I think if we don’t concede that goal at that moment in the game, we could have gone on and won the game.
“Our performances have been reasonably good. We just have to now focus on the game on Sunday.”
On embracing the busy schedule…
“It’s flat out. We’ve got lots of games and lots of travelling, but I’d rather be in this situation than not having to play those games.
“It’s obviously a challenge for us as a club and as a team, but there’s no better way of improving and getting stronger, and also helping to develop those players playing in those conditions.
“That’s where we want to be. We just have to stay focused. It’s still early in the A-League season and we’re in a good position in Asia, so we just have to keep going.”
On selection and backing young players…
“It’s a quick turnaround. We didn’t have time to train. We’re going to have a session tonight in Perth, so that’s when we’ll make the final assessment and the final decision on the players who will be starting on Sunday.
“With the young boys, it’s all about belief and confidence.
“That’s how those players learn. They have to play football matches.”
On the importance of the collective…
“I always try to emphasise the fact that football is a collective game. It’s good to have those individual players with quality and experience in the squad, but for me, it’s more about what we do as a collective.
“You have to be very strong as a unit, working together. We’ve got important players in the squad, but we all have to perform to the best of our capabilities, and that’s what makes the team stronger.
“We have to put behind us what happened in those last two matches and bounce back on Sunday. We’ve got strong characters in the squad. Players don’t like to lose football matches.”
Adelaide United face Perth Glory at HBF Park on Sunday 1 November, with kick-off at 6:30pm ACDT / 4:00pm AWST.
