The Adelaide United Youth Team will travel to Victoria to play Melbourne City in Round 3 of the Foxtel National Youth League at C.B Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The Young Reds, who will be competing in their first interstate match since March earlier this year, are full of confidence heading into the clash after coming away with an impressive 4-2 win over cross-border rivals, Melbourne Victory, in Round 1.
Head Coach of the Young Reds, Michael Valkanis, believes Melbourne City has a very experienced side; however he is adamant that the chemistry within his squad is much more beneficial in comparison.
“Melbourne City always has an experienced side each time they play in the Youth League,” Valkanis said.
“However, I think our boys being together now for twelve months is a big positive as the group know each other very well, know how to play, and more importantly know exactly what they have to do whether we are defending or attacking, so that’s a massive confidence booster heading into this match.
“So when we are playing teams that are so experienced, we’re confident in the way we play and the fact that our chemistry is far superior.”
Valkanis also stated that his side is well prepared physically and mentally for this match, with the Reds enjoying a week off due to uneven numbers in the competition. Nevertheless, Valkanis knows facing a well-structured side like the reigning Champions, City, will prove a test.
“We have had an extra week because of the bye to prepare, work, and improve on things that we needed to work on from the first game against Victory,” Valkanis said.
“In playing against City, we will need to be ready and switched on as they are a very strong side and a team that plays very good football.
“So it’s going to be a difficult game and there are certain things we’ve had to improve on in order to go into this game prepared, but in saying this we need to play to our system and push the ball around well.
“We need to be concentrated solely on the task at hand, take our chances, and play well from start to finish.”
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Adelaide United Youth Team will face Melbourne City Team in Round 3 of the Foxtel National Youth League 2015/16 season on Sunday, 22 November, 2015, at C.B Smith Reserve. Kick off is at 10.30 am ACDT.
