Adelaide United Head Coach Airton Andrioli says his side produced a “mature” performance to earn a point in Friday night’s Original Rivalry clash with Melbourne Victory, as the Reds fought back for a 1-1 draw.
Andrioli praised Adelaide’s first-half control, the team’s resilience to stay in the contest during an open second period, and the continued development of the club’s young core as the season moves into its decisive stretch.
Andrioli on whether the result felt like two points dropped…
“You always want to get the result. You always want to get maximum points. I think we played a very good first half, even though we conceded a goal that could have been avoided. But the fact that we came back and we’re creating good chances, we’re playing the football that we want to play, I think we’re able to control the game. We started off the second half well as well. And then obviously a few legs started to get a bit tired, and then the game became a little bit open… something that I don’t like, but that’s how the game goes. I think we had a big chance to win the game in the second half. If Luka scores that goal, then that puts us in a good position. But overall… Victory is coming from good momentum as well… and we take the point.”
Andrioli on what changed late as the contest opened up…
“They started to put a little bit more pressure, because we were playing the balls through the centre… and then a couple of times we made the wrong choices and passes. We forced the ball forward when we could have played the extra pass to open up the space. We had to be a little bit more patient to react to what they did. Instead we tried to force some passes and gave balls away in areas where we gave them transitions… and I think that was a little bit of a problem for us.”
Andrioli on Dukuly’s goal and demanding more from the front third…
“I’m pleased for him, but I keep saying that a player of his capabilities should be scoring goals like that every week. There’s more to come from him. He needs to keep believing in himself. Second half… I wanted him to continue to make those runs, but probably fatiguing a little bit as well. He also works defensively really well. But it’s not just him – people like Yaya, Jonny Yull, Luka – those boys should be scoring every week. So I’m happy for him, and I hope he can continue on that.”
Andrioli on Luka Jovanović’s chances and overall contribution…
“Luka is obviously very disappointed, because everyone on the bench thought that’s a goal. He actually did really well… the keeper went down and then missed the easy part, I guess. But no problem. That’s what the strikers are there for. They will score sometimes, sometimes they’ll miss chances. The fact that he’s creating and working… he did a lot of work for us as well. So I’m happy with him and happy with the team performance overall.”
Andrioli on Josh Smit’s big saves…
“Josh is a fantastic goalkeeper. He’s probably one of the best goalkeepers in the league, and that’s why you have a goalkeeper – to make those saves when you need it. So he’s done his job, and I’m really happy with his performance as well.”
Andrioli on momentum and a ‘mature’ performance from a young squad…
“When we look at performance like today, I think we’re maturing. You’ve got so many young boys that are growing and learning and getting better the more they play. If we go back a little bit earlier, maybe we lose a game like this. But the fact that we could stay in the game and still be a threat and create chances, for me, was a mature, disciplined performance. If we keep doing the job like this, I think we’re going to continue to move forward.”
Andrioli on resilience and managing the game under pressure…
“Those boys are showing the resilience to stay with the game. Momentum is not always going to go your way, and we need to learn to manage the game. I think we did that – we stayed with the game… tried to nullify those transition moments… the boys are working hard and still creating chances. Maturity comes with time. The players are getting better… we’re getting things together at the right time moving forward, and we just want to keep the momentum going.”
Andrioli on belief and confidence in the run home…
“Playing games like we did, two good results the previous two matches, and then even today, that’s going to instill that belief. You have your strategies and systems, the discipline, all of that, but the main thing is that players play with belief and confidence… enjoy this match of football. Don’t wait for tomorrow. You got to do it now… and I think slowly they buy into that, and it becomes a natural reaction for them.”
Andrioli on Ryan White’s growth and influence…
“If I could use an example of a player that’s consistently growing and getting better and showing different things every time… we know what Ryan’s known for – versatile, box-to-box, works really hard, extremely fit. But now we start to see the other side of his game – composure and playing… even that pass… deceived me. I thought, ‘Wow, what a ball.’ It’s great to see. It’s another example that these kids need time to mature… and he is consistently growing. He’s a very important player for us… and I think today was a very mature performance from the whole squad.”
Andrioli on White’s best position and what’s still to come…
“He’s a player that can play as a six or box-to-box midfielder… if you play him a little bit deeper, he’s going to arrive in the front third and offer threats – final passes, assists, goals. He’s tall, he’s good defensively from set pieces… and he’s still developing physically. We’re working with him to make sure his body matures, and I think there’s a lot more to come for him.”
Andrioli on the run to finals…
“Game by game, I think that’s a message we always say to the boys… it doesn’t matter who you play. You got to respect your opponent. We plan for every game… I think tonight we did a fantastic job… the boys are buying into those things… they just need to concentrate on the next game. The most important game is the next one coming at home against Wellington… we want to get the result, and then the rest will take care of itself.”
