Adelaide United Liberty A-League coach Adrian Stenta is not sure what to expect from competition newcomers Central Coast on Friday afternoon.
The Mariners have returned this season, having played in the first two seasons of the league but folding soon after.
Speaking to media at Coopers Stadium, where the sides will meet as part of an A-Leagues double header, Stenta said he was as wary of the Mariners as he was of all the teams in the competition.
He also discussed the focus since the season-opening four-all draw with Canberra United, and the A-League record breaking Round 1 attendances.
Adrian Stenta on whether last week’s 4-4 draw with Canberra was a good or bad result:
“I think it’s both if I’m being honest. There were some real positives to take out of the game and we liked a lot of what we were able to produce. But obviously, we’re not going to be a team that is going to be happy with conceding four goals every week. Obviously, we have some things to work on as well.”
Adrian Stenta on what the side has been focussed on since Sunday’s Round 1 game:
“To be honest, it’s been a short turnaround between games – Sunday into Friday. The focus has just been on freshening up the players, making sure that they’re cherry ripe and ready to head into Friday’s game.
Adrian Stenta on the attacking threats now at his disposal after finding it hard to score at times last season:
“I’m excited. To be honest, we didn’t change much from two years ago to last year to this year. But that’s football sometimes. I always try to set my teams up in a in an attacking way and play an attractive brand of football. And for some reason, we just couldn’t hit the back of the net last year. All the players we’ve brought in have been fantastic. There’s been a large number, so it’s probably in contrast to the men’s side. And we’ve had a short space of time to sort of get them acclimatised and into the group.
Adrian Stenta on not knowing a lot about Central Coast in that club’s return to the A-League women’s competition.
“We saw them play last week, but it was a derby game as well. Sometimes they can be a little bit different, too. But look this competition is only 12 teams, right? So every team in this competition is going to provide a challenge and be difficult and we need to be at our best to beat them.”
Adrian Stenta on the Liberty A-League smashing attendance records in Round 1:
“I think it’s fantastic. I think we’ve got a really strong league over here with the potential for it to continue to grow. And these girls deserve our support. They’re great players, great role models and ambassadors and I strongly encourage anyone that is interested in attending the men’s game on Friday to come a little bit earlier and watch some fantastic football from some great footballers.”
