Paul Izzo believes winning the FFA Cup Final 2019 would help serve as the catalyst to ignite Adelaide United’s Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
Adelaide suffered a second defeat in a row, following a 2-1 loss to Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Sunday.
The Reds’ focus is now on their cup decider against the same opponent in City at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday night.
“It’ll be huge it would change the perspective from people on a lot of things that’s for sure,” said Izzo, when asked if lifting the trophy for a record third time could jump-start their league campaign.
“I think it would be massive because it can kick start things in the league which is also very important as well.”
Izzo bemoaned his side falling behind after conceding two first-half goals in quick succession for a second straight game.
The Reds could not muster a comeback despite significantly improving after that point, highlighted by Riley McGree grabbing a goal back midway during the second-half.
But the slow start again proved costly and the goalkeeper said changing that will coincide with an upturn in fortunes.
“On our end it’s not acceptable to be starting off like that really and putting ourselves under the pump from the get go,” he explained.
“So if we can get on top of that early and start the way that we played probably in the second-half and the later minutes towards the end of the first-half it’s going to be a whole different story come the end of the game.
“So we get those good starts and we’ll see how we go.”
However, the 24-year-old, who is into his third season in his second stint with the Club said there was still plenty of reason for optimism.
He added the disappointing result going into the FFA Cup Final will not alter their mindset.
“We don’t have to panic,” he insisted.
“I think we showed in the second-half that we are quite dangerous and we are still confident in ourselves.
“So it’s a cup final as well anything can happen on the night and we are keen to get going and ready for it.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne City in the FFA Cup Final 2019 on Wednesday 23 October at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST. Gates open at 5.30pm.
