Nikola Mileusnić is confident Adelaide United’s FFA Cup Final triumph can be the impetus to ignite their Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
Adelaide travel to face the Newcastle Jets on Saturday in what will be the Reds’ third match in a week.
Mileusnić, who bagged the third goal in the decider on Wednesday, said the team enjoyed celebrating their cup success, but admitted festivities were short-lived with their Round 3 match in mind.
“We were definitely serious about the next game but we did enjoy ourselves,” Mileusnić said to reporters at Adelaide Airport.
“We just won a trophy so we all wanted to celebrate and were definitely proud of everyone and everyone involved, so it still feels like you’ve actually won something.
“But with the game coming up on the weekend we knew we had to be serious and not take it (the celebrations) too far.”
Following back-to-back defeats to start the league season, the 26-year-old speedster said continuing the momentum from their emphatic cup final performance would be crucial.
“The first two A-League games we conceded two goals in the first-half which wasn’t ideal and we were always on the back foot from there trying to get those two back,” he said.
“But from the FFA Cup game the positives were we scored first and we kept scoring and I think that if we can keep bringing that into the next few games will be really good.
“And it takes the pressure off our defenders and definitely puts that scoreboard pressure on the other team.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6096661179001
James Troisi was named in the travelling squad and could make his first appearance for the Club since signing at the beginning of the month.
Mileusnić said the midfielder’s addition to the team is massive.
“We’ve had him now for a few weeks,” he said.
“In terms of (being available for) gameday I think he’ll be a great boost for us and we all know he’s a great player so we can’t wait to get on the field with him and see what he can do for Adelaide United.”
Adelaide and the Jets have already met once this season with United recording a 1-0 win in the FFA Cup quarter finals.
However, Mileusnić said that result was not an accurate indication, given they played against 10 men for 80 minutes of the game following goalkeeper, Lewis Italiano’s dismissal.
“We obviously haven’t had that much time to prepare for Newcastle,” he continued.
“They’ve had more time to look at us and how we play, but I’m sure tonight we’ll have a look at our we go against them and when we played them in the cup as well.
“I know when we played them it was against 10 men which obviously doesn’t give us a great idea of how we can attack them.
“We’ll have a look tonight and see where we can exploit their weaknesses.”
Adelaide United face Newcastle Jets in Round 3 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday, 26 October at McDonald Jones Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, ABC, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
