Adelaide United midfielder, Jay Barnett, says he is riding the wave of a successful transition to his hometown team since joining the Reds in February.
Fresh from an outstanding performance in United’s Elimination Final win over Wellington Phoenix, Barnett did his best to calm the plaudits that have come flooding his way, a sign of maturity and humility from the 22-year-old.
Barnett spoke to media at Coopers Stadium on Tuesday afternoon ahead of his side’s Semi Final first leg match-up against Central Coast Mariners on Saturday evening.
Looking back on Wellington:
“Yeah, I took a lot of confidence from the game, but not just myself, I think the team in general took a lot from the result on the weekend.
“Personally, I’m just happy to be out there contributing my role for the team and hopefully I can have a few more games helping the team reach our goals.
“It’s nice to hear all the good things about my performance, but going into the game, it was never about trying to stand out.
“It was just about trying to do my role and I thought I did that quite well.
“Getting the win was the most important thing.”
Facing the Mariners:
“We will obviously have a look at that (last) game.
“It was just one of those nights for us, so I think we were just a little bit off and they played quite well.
“But I think we have to put that behind us.
“Finals football is a very different game and, over two legs, anything can happen, but we need to make sure that we review that game and tweak a few things because we weren’t good that night.
“We need to refine a few things, which we will and we’re working on them now (in training).
“But, at the end of it, it comes down to us in our application and intensity and making sure we’re working hard to get a positive result.”
Life back home:
“I didn’t really come in with many expectations, but it has kind of exceeded what I even thought was possible (so far).
“So I’m just kind of riding the wave at the moment, wanting to help the team go as far as we can.
“(I came) here to be given opportunity to play, but I want to be part of team success and hopefully we can start off with a positive result on Saturday, and hopefully go all the way this year.”
Match details:
Isuzu UTE A-League 2022/23 Season – Semi Final (First Leg)
Adelaide United vs Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, 13 May 2023, Kick-off: 7:15pm (ACST)
Coopers Stadium
Isuzu UTE A-League 2022/23 Season – Semi Final (Second Leg)
Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United
Saturday, 20 May 2023, Kick-off: 7:15pm (ACST)
Central Coast Stadium
