Kitto: We’re looking healthy and strong

Ryan Kitto
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Ryan Kitto says a win over Brisbane Roar will certainly help boost the confidence in the group, but insists morale still remains strong despite just the solitary win this season.

Adelaide United is unbeaten in its past three matches and has recorded back-to-back draws against Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City respectively.

Kitto said securing a triumph on Sunday in Brisbane would be extremely beneficial to the team, having played well in recent weeks without a whole lot of reward.

“I think it will be good for the lads and the confidence,” Kitto said at his press conference.

“Obviously we’re putting in some really good performances, we came up against a really good (Melbourne) City side last week and came back twice.

“It would’ve been nice to get one more goal and get the three points.

“I think from a confidence point of view, if we can be more ruthless at both ends of the park and we’re not far away from those three points.”

The Reds head into the clash buoyed by the availability of Isaías and Michael Jakobsen among others.

New signings Hiroshi Ibusuki and Lachlan Brook have also had more time to adjust.

“We’re looking healthy and strong, other than the long-term injuries that we have with a few players,” he said.

“We’ve pretty much got full ranks to pick from, so it’s good healthy competition.

“We’ve had a long week of training and everyone’s been putting them foot forward to give themselves the best chance to play.”

The 27-year-old is playing some of the best football of his career whether it be featuring on the wing or at left-back.

Kitto attributed his solid performances to an incredible culture within the Club.

“I think it comes down to the environment I’m in,” he explained.

“I love my teammates, I love my coaches. It’s probably the happiest I’ve been playing football for a long time and I just want to go out there and give it everything I’ve got every week.

“So just take it one game at a time and hopefully help contribute to getting three points this weekend.”

The Roar managed to notch its inaugural win of the campaign on Wednesday night after a 1-0 success over Perth Glory.

Kitto expected a tough clash having already played out a tense stalemate back in December.

“They’ve had a little bit of a break with the COVID situation,” he continued.

“Hopefully we can go over there fresh and we’ve played them earlier in the season, it was a 0-0 draw in hot conditions.

“It’s always a hot game in Brisbane, but I think physically we’re very well prepared and looking forward to the game.”

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