Adelaide United Head Coach Airton Andrioli says the Reds will take confidence from a strong second-half performance in Auckland after the first leg of the Semi-Final ended 1-1, with the tie now set to be decided at a sold-out Coopers Stadium next Friday night.
Andrioli admitted Adelaide were slow to adjust to the slippery conditions early, but praised the group’s composure and control after the break, believing the Reds created enough chances to win the match.
Andrioli on the performance and adapting to conditions
“It was a very intense match in the first half. The conditions played a lot into that as well. The pitch was very slippery and I thought we struggled in the beginning to adapt. The passes were a little bit off, the control was a little bit off, but in saying that, I think we had two clean-cut chances in the first half and we should have scored.”
Andrioli on what changed after half-time
“We told the players, ‘Boys, just relax. Nothing’s going to be decided here today. Go back to play our football.’ We said, ‘Take time on the ball, make sure you take the first touch, the basics.’ We did that better in the second half. When we start doing that, it’s difficult for the opposition. We start opening them up and they have to chase us.”
Andrioli on the result and the mindset heading home
“We came here to win. It was a draw, and we’ll take that. It is what it is. A draw is not a bad result, but nothing is decided. The only thing that we are really happy about now is that we know the game is going to be decided next week. We’re playing at home, in front of our supporters, and that’s not an easy place to come.”
Andrioli on squad options for the second leg
“We will sit down, analyse the game and see the things we can do better. It’s going to be a different game – we’re playing at home. We make changes. Ryan Kitto should be available next week. We make a decision next week who starts, and we put the best possible team to get the result that we’re looking for next week.”
Andrioli on the Red Army and the Coopers Stadium advantage
“Coopers is a difficult place to come and play football. When we play at home, we basically have a number 12 player with our supporters, and they will be there in numbers next week. We need them. Playing at Coopers is going to be an advantage for us. But we still have to go there and play our game and win on the day. Nobody wins the game beforehand. Nothing falls onto your lap. We need to work hard because we’re close to where we want to be, but we’re not there yet.”
Andrioli on the consistency that has driven Adelaide’s rise
“Just consistency building up slowly. Players getting understanding. Less injuries, less players going away. In the beginning of the season, so many turnovers, players in, players out. Now we came to the point that we played five or six consecutive games where we didn’t have to make changes, which makes a huge difference in football. The boys believe, the confidence is there, and winning football matches gives that belief and confidence.”
