Forward Zach Clough fronted the media on Tuesday afternoon and shared his optimism for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season, focusing on the team’s hard work in preseason, changes in defense, and strong sense of unity. Despite mid-table predictions, Clough is confident in a top-four finish, with young forwards Luka and Archie set to contribute.
Clough on the bye round this weekend…
“Yeah, it’s something I haven’t experienced before, and it’s new to the league this year. But yeah, it’s going to feel strange watching the lads while the other teams start playing. We’ll be a bit behind at the start, but we’ll catch up eventually. But yeah, I can’t wait to get going now.”
Clough on the squad’s motivation…
“I think we’ve worked hard for four months now in preseason. Every single day, we’ve been focused on getting better, improving on last year, and getting back to where we were previously—really aiming for the top four, top six this year. And yeah, obviously fighting to win the whole thing.”
Clough on a potential different style of play…
“With players leaving, for sure, we’ll be changing and playing a different style. You’ve probably seen a bit of it in the Australia Cup, the way we’re playing. I don’t want to give too much away, but yeah, we’ll change a little—definitely better defensively, aiming for more clean sheets. Hopefully, yeah, we’ll see how we go.”
Clough on the “mid table at best” expectations…
“I think since I’ve arrived, we’ve always been the same. People have always written us off. The season before last, we were fighting for the top spot until three games to go. So yeah, I think we can get back to that, and even improve on it. If we ignore the outside noise, we’ll be fine. We’ll keep working hard and stay united as a group.”
Clough on the A-League competition this season…
“I think the league is very tight from top to bottom. A lot of players have left, yeah. And I just think the league is so tight, and as a player, you feel it in every single game, really. I don’t feel like there’s any team I’m worried about, to be honest, yeah. If we can perform at our best, work hard, win the duels, and win our battles, I think that’s where we can really do well this year.”
Clough on the bond in the dressing room…
“I think there’s a real sense of togetherness. The cup run gave us a lot. We were really disappointed not to make the final and get some silverware to start the year, and I think that brought us even closer. But yeah, we’ve worked hard every single day. We’re all together. It feels really good this year—there’s a real sense of togetherness and a true team spirit.”
Watch the full press conference below.
