The Young Reds will host Brisbane Roar’s Youth Team in Round 4 of the Foxtel National Youth League at the Elite Systems Football Centre on Sunday afternoon.
In what was seemingly the game of the season the last time the two sides played, which saw United overcome their Queensland-based opponents in a dramatic 4-3 encounter, Head Coach, Michael Valkanis, and his team will definitely be looking for a similar result this week.
Reflecting on last round’s defeat to Melbourne City, Valkanis expressed his frustration over the result, but said the he remains optimistic about the football his side has been producing and is adamant that their best will be needed to beat the Roar tomorrow.
“I think last week was a game of two halves,” said Valkanis. “Last week, Melbourne City possessed a heap of experienced talent which we didn’t quite cope with in the first half.
“But in saying that I thought in the second half, we really got back into the game and to nearly escape with a point was fantastic.
“It would have been well deserved, so with their efforts combined it was an amazing half of football.”
Valkanis also said the unpredictability of the Youth League in not being able to control who your opposition is going to be playing with is difficult, whilst stating that his side need to simply play from the start and not just in halves.
“What we can take from last week’s match going into the Brisbane clash is that we need to play games from the start because when we’re at our best, we’re very good,” said Valkanis.
“Another aspect in which we will learn from is that we can’t control is what the opposition is going to have as it changes from week to week.
“It plays a big role in what senior players or over age players are used or unused, but the only thing we can control is our own performance and we are hoping for a good one at home this week.”
In taking the opposition into account, Valkanis went on to mention that no matter the opposition and who they are playing, his side will stick to their structure and more importantly produce free flowing attacking football.
“We don’t change our style no matter who we come up against,” said Valkanis.
“We play risky, attacking football and that’s the way we play. We want to dominate and create as many chances possible and tomorrow at home we can definitely do that.
“When we go into a game we play to win first and foremost, so regardless of what the Brisbane Roar bring we are going to play one way and that’s our way.”
Adelaide United Youth Team will face Brisbane Roar Youth Team in Round 4 of the Foxtel National Youth League 2015/16 season on Sunday, 29 November 2015, at the Elite Systems Football Centre. Kick-off is at 10.30 am ACDT.
