Speaking to media at Coopers Stadium on Friday afternoon, Adelaide United full-back, Harry Van der Saag, said the time is right to secure a maiden win this season.
After a securing one point out of a possible six from the opening two rounds in the Isuzu UTE A-League 2022/23 season, United will travel east to face Sydney FC at a revamped Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Reds’ opponents currently sit in fourth in the league standings, having triumphed over reining Champions, Western United, 3-1 last weekend.
It’ll be a trip home for Van der Saag who grew up in New South Wales and previously represented the Sky Blues – joining the Reds this off-season.
The challenge ahead:
“I think it’ll be a tough game.
“They’re (Sydney) in some good form at the moment, but we’re hungry for our first one in the season.
“I think last week was a probably a good example of (us not being) ruthless enough and also maybe the ball not bouncing our way.
“We hit the back of the net three times and one of them was offside (so) if we didn’t go so early (it could have been different).
“I think we were a bit unlucky last week not to get at least a point out of the game, but it’ll come together for us and I think it’s only a matter of time.”
Finding solace in chances being created:
“It’s very important to know (that we’re creating chances).
“We’ve got Goody (Craig Goodwin) back and (last week) was his first start.
“I think once he gets a few more games under his belt, we’ll be powering through and getting three points, no doubt.”
Javi López’s advice:
“Javi – he’s so good.
“He’s so good to learn off and just to watch him in training is a pleasure.
“I carpool with him him, Juande, and James Delianov and on the way to train we (Van der Saag and Javi López) always have good chats.
“He’s always giving me positive feedback and where I can tweak my game or what I’m doing well.
“He’s a really good mentor for me.”