Michaël Maria is hopeful Adelaide United can continue their two-game winning streak, and revealed he has enjoyed his time in Australia having reunited with boss, Gertjan Verbeek.
The Reds tackle Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Saturday looking to consolidate their position in the top six.
Adelaide began the Hyundai A-League season with back-to-back defeats, but have since accumulated six points from their previous two matches with victories over Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar.
“We had a rough start as we all knew,” Maria told AUFC Media at a press conference.
“But I think we’re on track now and a lot of guys are coming back as well.
“We’ve got some reinforcements and we’re doing well so far.”
For the clash against the Mariners, Maria said it was better to focus on themselves rather than be overly concerned about what the opposition do.
“A team can always change certain things and if you don’t know about it you still have to try to figure it out on the pitch,” he insisted.
“So for me it’s just better to focus on what we want to do.”
Maria has appeared in seven of United’s nine matches across all competitions in 2019/20 and admitted he has relished the opportunity of playing in Adelaide.
He added that working with Verbeek again has also been a positive and believed he too is appreciating his new surroundings.
🔁 Squad named for trip to Gosford. #AUFC #CCMvADLhttps://t.co/g9IultkB3e
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 14, 2019
The 24-year-old previously played under the Dutchman during stints in Germany and the Netherlands with VfL Bochum and FC Twente.
“I’m really enjoying it and I also can see that it’s a lot different for him as well,” he said.
“Australia and Europe, you can’t really compare that with each other, but I think he’s also adapting very well and trying to just go with the flow and make sure everyone is happy.”
Verbeek has utilised Maria in several different roles this season which is indicative of the Curaçao international’s adaptability.
Maria has been deployed as a left-back, left-winger and box-to-box midfielder.
He said his ability to be versatile can sometimes be a double-edged sword.
“It’s a good thing but I think also that it’s a bad thing,” he explained.
“Because you cannot really focus on one spot and just develop in that spot.
“Like I said I came here and I’m just here to try to help the team the best I can and wherever the trainer wants me to play or needs me to play or wherever the team needs me I’ll be there.”
Adelaide United face Central Coast Mariners in Round 6 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday, 16 November at Central Coast Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, ABC, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
