Adelaide United Head Coach Airton Andrioli says momentum, consistency and a level head will be key as the Reds prepare to face Macarthur FC at Coopers Stadium on Friday night, with the side chasing a third consecutive victory in a tightly packed Isuzu UTE A-League table.
Andrioli on Brody Burkitt’s breakout performance…
“I’m really happy for the kid. He came on and it was an interesting week for him – I know he already had plenty of friends, but I think he picked up a few more on social media this week as well. He’s a great kid and he deserves it. He works extremely hard and has that natural desire to keep going, keep pressing and keep working for the team. What happened last week is a reward for the type of player and person he is.”
Andrioli on developing young South Australians…
“It’s incredibly rewarding. It just keeps motivating us to continue doing what we’re doing. We’ve been blessed to have many players come through our system, and we want boys from our state to have the opportunity to reach their dreams. Brody is another example, and now I’m looking forward to the next one who’s ready to step up and take their opportunity.”
Andrioli on managing expectations after a hat-trick…
“This is just the beginning for him. Now he has to understand that with moments like this comes extra pressure. The question players have to answer is how they deal with that – people expecting you to score another hat-trick the following week. But the type of person Brody is, I don’t think it fazes him. He’s grounded, he keeps working, and I hope he continues like that.”
Andrioli on selection decisions in attack…
“We haven’t decided who starts yet. We’re a bit short in some positions, but in the front third we have options, which is a good problem to have. We trained this morning, and I always like to assess players in that final session before sitting down with the staff. We have an idea, but I can’t say yet who will start tomorrow night.”
Andrioli on growing depth and competition…
“It’s a good feeling to know you have players on the bench who can come on and change the game. It gives you different perspectives and attributes, and the ability to play in different ways. This is what we need at this point of the season – everyone fit, healthy, and pushing for places. That competition is important for keeping momentum going.”
Andrioli on the importance of another three points…
“It’s very important. We’ve spoken about not missing opportunities like this. The League has been very inconsistent this season, and that creates possibilities if you can put a run together. But for us, the focus is on consistency – not looking at what others are doing, but building confidence from our performances against Victory and Brisbane and applying that again tomorrow.”
Andrioli on pressure-packed late wins…
“You take wins as they come. Those late moments definitely test your heart and emotions. Of course, we’d love to control games from start to finish, but it doesn’t always work like that. Winning in those moments builds mental strength and belief, and now we want to find more control and consistency earlier in games.”
Andrioli on home advantage and conditions…
“We have to make it an advantage. We’ve trained in these conditions all week, we’re at home, and our supporters have been incredible for us this season. We hope they come again tomorrow night, fill the stadium, and be that extra player we need. We’re very thankful for their support and can’t wait to play in front of them.”
