Adelaide United captain Ryan Kitto says he is happy the international break is over and is eager to make up for his side’s defeat to Sydney in the last start.
The Reds put in a disappointing showing against the Sky Blues, trailing four-nil at half time and finishing five-one at the final whistle.
It was their first loss of the season after promising victories over both of last year’s grand finalists Central Coast and Melbourne City, and a hard-fought draw on the road to rival Melbourne Victory.
Speaking after training at Playford on Wednesday, Kitto said the international break presented an ideal opportunity to reflect on the season so far, and heavily critique the performance against Sydney.
But he was also itching to get back on the park to get back on the winner’s list.
Kitto also spoke about travelling to Ballarat and what he has made of this week’s opponent Western United.
Ryan Kitto on using the international break to reflect on the season so far:
“We’ve obviously had a really nice start with the two home games and then granted a difficult result away against (Melbourne) Victory. (We’re) obviously very disappointed with the Sydney home game and we’ve had the international break to reflect on that, practice few problems that we had and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Ryan Kitto on reviewing the heavy defeat to Sydney in Round 4:
“Individually, we’ve looked at our own performances, and we know that we can do better than that. And then collectively, we need to make sure we’re there to help each other. You know, that’s what we pride ourselves on as a team looking after each other and we just didn’t do that in that game. Unfortunately, at halftime (being down) four-nil, we made it very difficult for ourselves so we’ll make sure we don’t let the game get out of hand. We know we’re going to have difficult periods in games, but it’s about us grinding it out, getting into half time still in the game, and then correcting it for the second half and putting our best foot forward.”
Ryan Kitto on his own performance against the Sky Blues:
“I was obviously very disappointed in the last game so I take full responsibility for that performance. And I think although it’s been nice to have the international break to correct a few things, as a footballer, you want to put it right straight away so I’m really looking forward to this weekend.”
Ryan Kitto on what he has made of Western United this season so far:
“They’re a good team, compact, very well organised, and look to get in behind and make dangerous runs. I think they’re a very good side. It’s going to be a very difficult game. We’re looking forward to getting out regional and to Ballarat and that’s important that we do that.”
Ryan Kitto on whether playing Western United late in the pre-season helps in the preparation for Sunday’s game:
“I guess it always helps. But I’m sure they’ve changed things as we have a little bit from then so we’ve had a quick look at each other and had a little bit of a game and a good hit out. But we’re looking forward to doing the real thing this weekend.”
