Andrioli: “We’ve prepared well – now it’s about turning that into a result under the lights”

Adelaide United Head Coach Airton Andrioli says his side is ready to “put their foot down” when they face Melbourne City under the Friday night lights at Coopers Stadium, following a productive international break that allowed the Reds to reset, refine and prepare.

United return home after a fortnight without a match, looking to build on their 2–0 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 4. With the squad refreshed and training intensity high, Andrioli believes the Reds are well placed heading into a blockbuster clash against the Champions.

Andrioli on preparations during the break…
“For the players, it was a short rest, but for us as staff, it was all about planning. After the last match we gave them a couple of days off, then really concentrated on the things we needed to work on and add to what we’re doing. Training has been good – and we’re ready to go for tomorrow night.”

Andrioli on the team’s overall trajectory…
“I think we’ve been performing consistently well, but the most important thing is results. We need to win matches because confidence comes with that. It was good to get the result in the last game, and now we’re at home again – we hope we can continue that.”

Andrioli on Craig Goodwin’s availability after long-haul travel…
“Goody is in the mix. We’ll assess that closer to the game. He arrives tomorrow morning, and we’ll have a conversation with him and see how he feels after such a long journey. We haven’t made a final decision yet – but he’s part of the playing group.”

Andrioli on Anselmo’s progress…
“He looks very good. He’s been in full training this week. We’re hoping he’ll be available for the Brisbane game. He still needs a bit more time – he was out of football for a longer period. We tried to push things earlier and had a setback, so now we’re managing it properly. He’s looking after himself really well.”

Andrioli on Luka Jovanović’s form…
“It’s up to him now. He’s played four games, his body is strong, he’s fit – and he’s a capable player. We just hope he continues on that path for his sake and for the team.”

Andrioli on young players pushing for selection…
“They just need to keep doing what they’re doing. For players like Ben Folami, Austin Ayoubi, and others in the same situation, it’s difficult – but in football things can change very quickly. You must stay positive and ready, because when an opportunity comes, you can’t miss it. They’ve all been training really well.”

Andrioli on playing at Coopers Stadium…
“We told the players this week – you should be absolutely buzzing to play tomorrow night at Coopers. Even the young boys, we say: don’t ever lose that excitement of playing in front of our supporters. We hope the players are fired up, and with that energy we can get a result.”

Andrioli on facing Aurelio Vidmar…
“Vid is a good guy – I know him really well. He’s doing very well with City, won the league last year, and we know we’re coming against a very good team with a very experienced coach. It won’t be an easy game, but we’re ready, we’re at home, and we have to put our foot down and make sure we get the result.”