Adelaide United Head Coach Airton Andrioli says the Reds have used the international break to refresh, refine, and refocus ahead of Friday night’s clash with Auckland FC, with the squad healthy and selection stability continuing at a key time of the season.
Andrioli on the international break and extra preparation time…
“I think it was good to have a couple of days off, to give the players time to reflect and spend time with family. Since then, we got back on the track and kept training like we normally do. We had a bit more time to prepare, which is always good. We can adjust a few things that need to be adjusted. Overall, it was a good little break to refresh and now to refocus and be ready for the game tomorrow night.”
Andrioli on reinforcing ideas and working on details…
“When games are coming quicker, you don’t have a lot of time to work on certain things. We had the chance to work on a few things that we wanted to, and that was a positive. But for us, it’s just about keeping on doing what we’ve been doing.”
Andrioli on squad availability and selection stability…
“We’re not making any changes. We’ve got everyone available. It’s that time of year where you consolidate your starting 11 and the players on the bench, and everyone is fit and healthy. We make changes if we need to, but at the moment we’re happy with the squad.”
Andrioli on what it will take to match Auckland…
“We need to be focused and play our game, and match all the intensity, energy and physicality they bring. They are a very solid team. They defend really well, they’ve got big players and experienced players in the squad. We know it’s not going to be easy, but we take confidence from what we’ve been doing. We know we can play football — if we can match them in the other aspects of the game, I think we’ll be in for getting a result tomorrow night.”
Andrioli on the importance of a home final, but staying present…
“I think it’s important. We’re very strong at home and everyone likes to play at home. But there are still four games to go. For me, the most important game is the next one — tomorrow night. All our focus and concentration goes into getting three points, and the rest will take care of itself.”
Andrioli on Anselmo’s role and the benefit of consistency…
“It’s good to have players like him available, and other players fresh on the bench. The consistency of being able to play the same team for six games in a row gives the players the ability to create a good understanding amongst themselves. If we do what we’ve been doing lately and match them physically, I think we’re going to be okay tomorrow night.”
Andrioli on Nestory Irankunda’s progress with the Socceroos and pride in pathways…
“It’s been about him putting it all together. We always saw the potential when he was young. He’s got power, but he’s got other things in his game as well — he can link play, he can play passes, he can do lots of things. It’s a sense of pride that we provide these kids an opportunity, and when you see them playing at that level, you can’t stop having a bit of a smile on your face.”
Andrioli on Craig Goodwin’s rehab progress…
“Goody has been running and he’s feeling better every day. Now we have to increase his loads and see how he responds. Best case scenario, maybe the last game against City he might be available for minutes, but I don’t want to jump the gun. He’s tracking really well, and it would be great to have a player of his calibre available as we get closer to the end of the season and finals, if we get there.”
Andrioli on the mindset heading into the run home…
“I don’t need any motivation. I’m a winner by nature. We try to instil that with the young boys — yes, we do things in a certain way, but the ultimate goal is to win football matches, and win championships if the possibility is there. We just have to believe and do the talking on the football pitch.”
