Adelaide United Head Coach Airton Andrioli says Friday night’s Original Rivalry clash with Melbourne Victory needs no extra build-up, with the Reds’ playing group fully aware of what the fixture means to supporters and what’s required to come away with a result in Melbourne.
With confidence growing off recent performances, Andrioli’s message is simple: stay disciplined, be clinical, and bring the points back to Adelaide.
Andrioli on taking confidence into the Original Rivalry…
“Yes, that’s what we will try to do in Melbourne this week. It’s good to know the team has been playing well lately and has had some good results on the field, and that builds the confidence we always talk about. Hopefully we can go into this big game against Victory and get a result.”
Andrioli on what the rivalry means to the players…
“I think we’ve said this before — it’s one of those games where you don’t need to talk a lot about motivating players. Players know what it is and the opposition they’re up against. Victory have been playing really well lately and they’re in good form too, so it should be a good match. We hope we can go there, get that edge, and bring the result back to Adelaide.”
Andrioli on where the fixture sits in Australian football…
“It’s probably the biggest one. I’d say it’s the one that has had more drama than anything else. We’re not hoping for too much drama this time — just a good performance, going there, being clinical, doing what we do, getting a result, and keeping the momentum going.”
Andrioli on the team’s progress since the start of the season…
“I think it has been a gradual improvement and we’ve been consistent in our performances. There were a few things we needed to find — an understanding between each other. We tried different things throughout the season, and now it’s coming to a point where everyone understands the different strategies we use in different games, and that’s been consolidated within the group. The players have a good understanding. We have variations in the way we play our football, and we’ve been winning matches, so it’s a good time. We just want to keep that going tactically.”
Andrioli on maintaining standards and consistency in selection
“It was good to get the result after a big win in Sydney, then come home and consolidate that with a convincing result last week. Tactically, we’ve got a game plan we want to execute. Things are falling into place for us, but we still have to go and do our job. We need to make sure we are disciplined, focused, and ready for a big match, like we were last time.”
