Adelaide United Ninja A-League coach Theo Tsiounis says the Reds are refreshed heading into Friday night’s International Women’s Day standalone fixture at Coopers Stadium against Perth Glory.
After two weeks without a match, Tsiounis believes the break has provided the ideal chance to reset and sharpen for the final five games of the season, while urging the South Australian football community to get behind the team in one of the biggest home occasions of the run-in
Tsiounis on returning to league action and building momentum…
“As you mentioned, it’s been a number of weeks now since our last game. So we’re building up nicely with a bit of momentum, but it’s also an opportunity to freshen up the squad and move into the home stretch with the last five games.”
Tsiounis on maintaining intensity during the break…
“I think the girls are very motivated as a collective, and see the position they were in and the possibility. So they’ve been fantastic on the track. They’re all competing for positions and understand the importance of the next five games. So we want to put ourselves in the best position to do the best possible starting against Perth on Friday night.”
Tsiounis on the standalone Coopers Stadium opportunity…
“Absolutely super excited, and I think the girls definitely deserve that opportunity. We love playing at Coopers. It’s a fantastic stadium, and there’s an opportunity for everyone to get behind the girls and really support them in the last few games. We’ve only got three games left at home, so it’d be great to see everyone get behind them and really help push them through.”
Tsiounis on what Perth Glory will bring…
“They’re a good side. The ladder doesn’t lie, so it kind of tells you that they’re very consistent. They defend well, hard to break down at times. They’ve also got players that can score goals in key moments of the game, so it will definitely be a tough game like every other week. So hopefully we do the best possible to get the result.”
Tsiounis on squad health and Holly Murray’s injury…
“Squad’s looking good. It’s a very competitive group, so every week it’s a challenge, which is a positive and a negative, because you can only have 17 girls and 11 starters. Every week, players put their hands up and train well. Holly Murray has sustained the MCL injury, so she’ll be, unfortunately, out for a few weeks. But other than that, it’s a very healthy squad, and everyone’s ready to play.”
Tsiounis on the importance of local football returning…
“I think it’s fantastic. It’s great for the football community, creates a bit of a buzz. I think we all follow elements of the local leagues and want to promote that as much as possible. It’s an important part of the bigger picture. If we can invest more time and effort into those leagues, that filters up into the A-League — we get better players coming through and more opportunities. From my perspective, I always look to give back to the local communities and help out where possible. So it’s fantastic to see the leagues up and running and some great players around as well.”
Tsiounis on keeping an eye on WNPL talent…
“I’ll communicate with a number of coaches in WNPL, been out to a number of sessions as well, where I’ve been invited by NPL coaches to come out and have a look. Once again, it’s a great opportunity to connect with local clubs, but also an opportunity to have a look at the players and see what’s coming through. At the end of the day, we’re all here for one reason, and that’s to enjoy the game and also taking opportunities that come our way, so you never know what can happen.”
