Michael Jakobsen insists complacency will not be an issue for Adelaide United in their FFA Cup 2019 Semi-final with the Central Coast Mariners on Wednesday night.
The Danish centre-back was officially unveiled as the Reds’ new Captain at the Club’s 2019/20 Season Launch on Friday night and said the team is determined to reach a third consecutive final.
Whichever side is triumphant in Wednesday night’s match at Central Coast Stadium will face the winner of Brisbane Strikers and Melbourne City tonight.
“It’s a big game for us, to do as well as possible again this year in the cup,” Jakobsen said at Adelaide Airport ahead of Adelaide’s fourth Semi-final appearance in the competition’s history.
“So hopefully we’ll get a good result tomorrow and get into another final.
“It’s nice to have some games in the pre-season to look forward to where there’s something on the line and match up against a good opponent.”
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Despite back-to-back last place finishes in the Hyundai A-League, the Mariners are a much-improved outfit since Alen Stajcic has taken over the club on a permanent basis.
“We looked at some clips yesterday and they looked competitive,” he said.
“So we can’t go there and think this is going to be a walk in the park.
“We need to be there from the first whistle, if we’re not up for the fight we’ll struggle so it’s important we get a good start.
“And it’s not a bad team at all, so we need to be on our best game to win the game.”
Nikola Mileusnić travelled with the team after completing training without any issues on Monday afternoon.
Jakobsen said the winger’s availability is a welcomed boost for the holders.
“He looked good yesterday in training and so we’re confident that we’ll have him available for tomorrow,” the 33-year-old confirmed.
“We know what he can do and how he can hurt teams so he’s an important player for us.”
The experienced defender also said he was proud to be appointed as the Reds’ new skipper, having previously assumed the role in his final season with Melbourne City and as a youth international with Denmark.
“It’s a big responsibility, especially after the last captain that was here,” he said.
“So they’re some big shoes to fill and I’m happy to do it.
“As I said earlier I lead by example out on the pitch, so I did that as well last year and I’ll just continue doing that.”
FFA Cup Record:
| Central Coast Mariners | Adelaide United | |
| 2014 | Semi-finals | Champions |
| 2015 | Round of 32 | Quarter finals |
| 2016 | Round of 32 | Round of 32 |
| 2017 | Round of 32 | Runners-up |
| 2018 | Round of 32 | Champions |
