Reds Head Coach Adrian Stenta shared his thoughts ahead of Adelaide United’s upcoming match against Western United. Stenta discussed the squad’s health, the team’s current form, and expectations for the match. Here’s what Stenta had to say:
Stenta on the team’s confidence ahead of the match…
“The team’s been amazing this week. A lot of confidence, a lot of good spirit amongst the group, and we’ve had a really good week on the training track. We’ll take a lot of confidence from the performance in Brisbane and hopefully bring that into the game this week against Western.”
Stenta on the squad’s health and injuries…
“Fiona’s probably going to be missing for a couple of weeks, just as she works through a little bit of an issue with her quad. She wasn’t able to play against Brisbane and won’t be in the squad this weekend. But she’s already back out on the track and moving around, looking to get back as quickly as possible. The rest of the squad is really healthy, and we’ve got more players available for selection than we’ve had all year. It’s been challenging for me picking a squad this week, but that’s the position I want to be in as a coach.”
Stenta on the team’s improved form this season…
“I just put it down to the playing group. Their mindset and mentality have been fantastic since day one of pre-season. They’re a very driven group, and to be honest, they’ve been outstanding. They’ve been a pleasure to coach, and all the accolades so far should go to them.”
Stenta on any changes in his approach as a coach…
“I think I’ve been the same. Most of the changes came in the off-season when we went through a thorough review. We worked out why we were in the position we were last year and tried to enact change there so we could just focus on football this season. Now, it’s about getting the group into a position where we can challenge every game for a result.”
Stenta on expectations of Western United…
“I expect a really difficult, physical game. They always play well against us, and they’ve hit some good form in the last two weeks. They were impressive against Perth and had the better of Melbourne City. I think they’ll come with good form and plenty of confidence, and we’re expecting a tough challenge.”
Stenta on Ella Tonkin’s milestone of 50 games…
“Ella’s been fantastic for us for a number of seasons. She’s had some injuries along the way, but she’s a leader in the group. She’s someone we can rely on for a 90-minute performance every week. It’s great that she’s reached 50 games, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she progresses her future on a bigger and better stage as well.”
Stenta on Chelsea Dawber and her clients being mascots on Saturday…
“It’s amazing. We like to call ourselves the people’s club, and I feel like that’s not just in words, but in action. For the club to be supporting what Chelsea does off the field, I think it’s fantastic. It’s great that her clients will get the opportunity to be mascots and that she’s such a role model for them.”
Stenta on the importance of fan support…
“I’d love as many people as possible to come out. It was great playing in front of almost 4,000 people in Brisbane, and if we could get anywhere close to that, I’d be very happy. The girls are worth watching, and if we can get a vocal crowd behind us, the players will take a lot from that. We’d love as many Adelaide United fans as possible to come out and support the team tomorrow.”
