Adelaide United striker Luka Jovanović says there’s plenty of belief within the Reds’ camp despite successive defeats, after scoring his first goal of the season in Saturday’s narrow loss to Auckland FC.
Speaking to the media at Coopers Stadium, Jovanović reflected on the positive signs from the opening rounds and the importance of staying patient in what is his third Isuzu UTE A-League campaign.
“It was a good feeling, definitely,” Jovanović said of his goal. “Confidence as a striker is important – scoring your first of the season helps, and I think after that one, there’s more to come.”
The 20-year-old praised Head Coach Airton Andrioli for the faith he’s shown in him and the belief that has helped him settle early this season.
“He pulled me aside and spoke to me about staying confident in front of goal,” Jovanović explained. “As a young striker, it’s important to have a coach that believes in you. I feel that trust from him and all the staff, and I brought that into the game against Auckland – I got one chance and executed it well.”
With Craig Goodwin now operating more centrally, Jovanović says the combination is quickly developing.
“Having a player like Goody next to me is a big bonus for me and for the team,” he said. “He’s always creating chances, and he works really hard off the ball, which makes life easier for everyone around him.”
Reflecting on the loss in Auckland, Jovanović said the Reds’ improved second half showed the team’s resilience.
“It’s a hard place to play,” he said. At halftime, we spoke about improving and we definitely did that. I think we should’ve pushed for at least a point.”
With a clash against Western Sydney Wanderers next up, Jovanović said the team remains focused on the long-term goal.
“We spoke today as a team – it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “We just take it game by game. We know Western Sydney will be tough, but we’re ready for it.”
On his personal development, Jovanović said he’s working on becoming a more complete forward.
“Being more mobile and improving my hold-up play are two big things for me,” he said. “I get a lot of help from coaches and senior players like Isaías, and I just want to keep getting sharper.”
Jovanović also reflected on his Under-20 World Cup experience with Australia earlier this year, saying it gave him perspective on the level he’s striving to reach.
“It was a great experience,” he said. “It helped me realise how good players around the world are at my age — it gives me motivation to keep improving.”
Despite his age, Jovanović has already amassed 63 senior appearances and remains grounded about his ambitions.
“I just focus on the present,” he said. “Take it game by game. If you perform well in this league, the sky’s the limit.”
