Jordan Elsey says the fact that the majority of the squad has been retained from the previous season gives them a competitive advantage heading into 2019/20.
Elsey revealed the team has enjoyed the start of pre-season and learning a new philosophy under Gertjan Verbeek which is predicated on attacking football and possession.
“It’s been really positive, I think everyone is excited to learn a new playing style and an attacking style,” Elsey explained.
“The coaches have been really good, the new coach obviously and all his assistants.
“Everyone is getting along and everyone is working hard for a successful pre-season and obviously looking forward to the season to start.”
He added that it was satisfying more ball work was being incorporated so early into the pre-season.
“Everything is with the ball which is good,” he said.
“I’ve had some pre-seasons where it’s just without the ball, but everything is with the ball and we’re still becoming very fit from it.
“His trainings are very intense and all the boys are pushing each other and everything is with the ball and we want to play an attacking style of football and create as many chances as we can.”
Mirko returns a married man following an extended break! #AUFC
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— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) July 12, 2019
The defender, who started all five matches as United lifted their second FFA Cup trophy last year, said they will be motivated to repeat that success in 2019.
The recent acquisition of Riley McGree has certainly strengthened that cause, with Elsey suggesting it was a massive positive the bulk of the squad was under contract.
“Everyone knows each other,” he admitted.
“And most of the boys knew Riley (McGree) when he was with us before, so now it’s just working together with the new coach for everyone to understand a new playing style.
“And we’re looking forward to a successful pre-season. Obviously we were the FFA Cup champions last year and we want to continue that and hold our title.”
Adelaide’s first test of pre-season will occur on Tuesday night when they face MetroStars in a friendly match at Taperoo Reserve.
“These are the games we need to obviously test our playing style,” he said.
“So to test it against a strong team in Metro is good and also for the fans to come out and have a look at the new coach and there’s a few new boys around obviously and they can get a glimpse of what the season is going to be like.”
Elsey also gave his thoughts on the Reds’ FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32 opponents in Melbourne Knights, which will be played in early August.
“I think they just made the final of their cup in Melbourne so they’re a strong team and have a rich history,” he said.
“So we’re looking forward to it, we like to play these games and as I said this is our cup. Well it was last year and we want it to be this year as well.”
Adelaide United face Melbourne Knights in the Round of 32 of the FFA Cup 2019 on Wednesday, 7 August at Knights Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports.
