Adelaide United goalkeeper Joshua Smits speaks about his first four months with the club, remaining positive and motivated to improve as a team despite recent close defeats.
The Dutch shot-stopper has enjoyed a positive first four months at the club, both on and off the pitch. He is feeling settled in Adelaide and motivated to keep improving as the season progresses.
“I’m feeling great and enjoying it a lot, my family are here now and enjoying life as well” Smits said. With his family now in Adelaide and enjoying life in Australia, he feels that stability has translated into his performances.
Smits has been impressed by the atmosphere at Coopers Stadium and the energy the crowd brings every match. “Every time I walk onto the pitch, I do it with a smile,” he said. “We have a beautiful stadium and a great crowd. You really feel their energy, and that’s something we need every week at home.”
Adelaide’s number 22 feels Reds Legend and goalkeeping coach, Eugene Galekovic had a lot of positive influence on his performances, as do fellow goalkeepers Max Vartuli and Ethan Cox. “We’re very honest with each other about what we need to improve, and we try to get the maximum out of every day.”
With two big matches coming up over the Christmas and New Year period against Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast, Smits is looking forward to experiencing football at this time of year for the first time in his career. He highlighted the importance of the supporters and hopes to see Coopers Stadium full over the summer.
“Our supporters are so important to us, we need them,” Smits said. “Football is something you do together as a team and as a club. Hopefully we can give them a nice Christmas present of all three points this weekend.”
