Craig Goodwin says he is eager to get to work and absorb as much information from new Adelaide United boss, Gertjan Verbeek throughout the pre-season and beyond.
Goodwin’s offseason break was cut somewhat short following international commitments with the Socceroos in early June but insists he is refreshed and raring to go.
The 27-year-old starred for the Reds last season, scoring a team-high 15 goals across all competitions.
“Obviously it’s really exciting, today is the first training session,” Goodwin told reporters ahead of the commencement of pre-season for 2019/20.
“We met yesterday (Thursday) for testing and then the coach and coaching staff so it’s really exciting.
“With a new coach he’ll bring in and implement his own things, so I just think for us as a playing group it’s about getting on board what he’s trying to instil in the team and follow what he’s trying to do.”
Goodwin said the appointment of a new coach means all the players get to start from a clean slate, and that nothing should be taken for granted when it comes to starting spots.
He further added that the team will embrace the Dutchman’s philosophy and that such a long pre-season enables them to better understand new methods.
Watch us Live and Exclusive on FOX SPORTS in our @FFACup Round of 32 match against @MelbKnights! #AUFC #FFACup
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— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) June 28, 2019
“I think it’ll give the boys that extra motivation for I guess people that maybe didn’t play as much last year, can come into this pre-season really thinking this is my chance to get in the line-up,” he explained.
“And for boys that played consistently it works the same. You’ve to put in every day one hundred per cent and show him you can keep that starting spot.
“So I think it gives that added motivation and then there will be small things or maybe large things that he’ll to change from what we did last year.
“It’s certainly a challenge but I think everyone’s excited and looking forward to it.”
Adelaide’s fate in the FFA Cup 2019 was also confirmed on Wednesday night as they begin their title defence against Victorian side Melbourne Knights in August.
United and Goodwin used the tournament as the foundation and impetus for a strong Hyundai A-League season.
Goodwin, who scored five goals in four FFA Cup matches to inspire Adelaide to a second title last year said they will be looking to match that feat again with the opportunity for silverware up for grabs.
“It’s a trophy regardless of whether you start it in pre-season or not,” he said.
“It’s silverware and we won it last year and it’s something that this Club and the players that played in will never forget.
“It’s important and what you remember at the end of your career, so for us it’s about putting in the hard yards for this first term of the pre-season and preparing for that game against Melbourne Knights.
“And obviously learning and trying to pick up everything that the coach is trying to teach us.”
Adelaide United face Melbourne Knights in the Round of 32 of the FFA Cup 2019 on Wednesday, 7 August at Knights Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports.
