Adelaide United Head Coach Airton Andrioli says he was “proud of the football” his side produced on Sunday night, despite suffering a heartbreaking 1–0 loss to Brisbane Roar at Coopers Stadium.
A 94th-minute winner denied the Reds a deserved point in a match where they controlled large periods and created the clearer chances.
Andrioli on the result
“We’re disappointed with the result, and a little bit disappointed with the way we dealt with the initial part of the first half and the initial part of the second half. We normally execute those actions much better.
It was one of those games where we needed a goal to get in front, and from that moment I think things could have opened up more. But I’m very proud of the way we played. I enjoy football for what football is – a spectacle – and I’m proud of the football we produced tonight.”
Andrioli on substitutions and late changes
“Kitto came off because he was asking to come off – he was feeling cramps. Juan hadn’t trained early in the week and was set to play 60 minutes, so he started drifting out of the game.
We wanted a bit more energy and also wanted to see Anselmo. Johnny and Ryan were very good last game, so the subs were made to create something different in the front third.”
Andrioli on responding to the setback
“If we had been outplayed, I’d be worried. But we weren’t. We played very good football.
Brisbane play a very aggressive style and they won the match in the last kick of the game. Credit to them, but we keep our heads high and continue what we’re doing.
Maybe this is a chance to go away and get our first win on the road against Victory.”
Andrioli on physicality and officiating
“I was disappointed with some decisions tonight. Last week we saw a very soft send-off for Dylan, and tonight there were actions that I felt could have been handled differently.
But that’s part of the game. It’s not the reason we lost — we just continue on and hope things eventually go a little more our way.”
Andrioli on player availability and injuries
“Dylan [Pierias] might have an issue – someone stepped on his hand – so we need to assess him tomorrow. Everyone else is fine and available.”
Andrioli on finishing with seven South Australians on the pitch
“Just business as usual for us. This club always places emphasis on developing young players and we do it well.
I’m always proud to see those boys playing. It’s more experience for them, they’ll be better for it, and it shows the quality of young talent we have in this team.”
