Adelaide United defender Michael Jakobsen admits he is excited about playing in an attacking system but insisted it will take time to implement and perfect.
The Danish centre-back said the pre-season has been really positive so far under new Head Coach, Gertjan Verbeek, since his arrival at the Club.
“We’ve worked a lot on getting fit and all that and it’s in a fun way,” he revealed.
“It’s very enjoyable, it’s a lot with the ball and we do a lot of work. But it looks like everyone is enjoying it so far, so it’s been a good first couple of weeks.”
A newly appointed boss means fresh ideas and seeing the game through a different perspective. Jakobsen said adapting quickly to the Dutchman’s methods and eliminating previous habits and movements instilled in them will take time.
“It’s going to take some time before we get used to all that because we’ve all the mechanisms that we’ve done previously and that’s on people’s minds,” he explained.
“So we need to get that out of our heads as quick as possible and then get used to what the new coach wants.
“I’ve played in a similar system before and it’s very enjoyable when you get it done in a right way and you know how to do it.
“So hopefully we can perfect it and be really good at it so we’ll enjoy all the benefits from it.”
No convincing required!
Michaël is very happy to reunite with Head Coach Gertjan Verbeek. #AUFC
📰 Read more: https://t.co/r8sEUhvcd1 pic.twitter.com/ahJYLupn00
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) July 18, 2019
However, based on the first three weeks of pre-season and as one of the more experienced players in the squad, Jakobsen felt the team was tracking in the right direction ahead of the FFA Cup 2019.
“We’re obviously not one hundred per cent there yet,” he said, as the Reds face Melbourne Knights in the Round of 32 next month.
“We need a lot more work to do especially in the games in the upcoming friendlies and all the internals games we’ll play, we need to focus on the details to get ready for the cup game.
“It’s a high priority for us that we get as far as possible again this year like we did last year.
“It takes a lot of work but we’re already starting to go into the details and it’s only going to get better from now.”
The 33-year-old made 30 appearances last season for the Reds missing only four games; one from suspension and three due to injury.
Jakobsen said his is only goal was to remain injury free and insisted his focus was on team objectives.
“For me one of the biggest goals is to be free from injuries,” he said.
“That’s the worst thing, because you get hiccups throughout the season all the time, but if you can stay fit you won’t get all them.
“Last year I think I missed a couple of games maybe four or five which I hate.
“So for me it’s to stay fit and to stay healthy, but it’s more from the team’s point of view.
“I like to set some goals and do some stuff there. That’s more important for me, the personal stuff for me is not that important anymore.
“I’ll put the team in front of me instead and say there goals are more important than my individual ones.”
Adelaide United face Melbourne Knights in the Round of 32 of the FFA Cup 2019 on Wednesday, 7 August at Knights Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports.
