Adelaide United Head Coach, Carl Veart, addressed the media ahead of his side’s Monday night trip to face Macarthur FC, discussing key developments within the squad, including the departure of Assistant Coach Mark Milligan.
Veart also touched on the team’s preparation during the 10-day break and their outlook for the away trip.
Veart on Mark Milligan’s departure…
“Mark is a very ambitious coach, and an opportunity has come up that he believes will help him develop further in his career. It’s a big loss for us, especially given the stage of the season we’re in and how well we’ve been progressing. That being said, it’s what Mark feels is best for him, and we have to respect that. We shake hands, wish him all the best, and know he’ll go on to become a fantastic coach. It’s disappointing, but we’ve always maintained an open dialogue, and I know he’ll be successful in his next step.”
Veart on whether he advised Milligan to stay…
“Of course, I would have loved for him to stay. Mark is someone we value highly, both in his contributions as a coach and his presence in the dressing room. But he’s ambitious, and we’ve always been open with our discussions about his future. When this opportunity came up, it was clear he believed it was the right move for him. Sometimes, as a coach, you have to let people make those decisions for their development. So, while I would have liked him to stay, I support him and his decision.”
Veart on the coaching staff moving forward…
“For now, we’re keeping things in-house. It’s important that the playing group stays focused and that we maintain our momentum through this season. Our assistant coaches have stepped up and are doing a great job. As we move forward, we’ll look at what’s best for the club in terms of the staff and positions, but right now, it’s about ensuring the team stays united and ready for the games ahead.”
Veart on managing the 10-day break…
“It feels like we’ve been off the pitch for quite a while, but the break has been beneficial. The players had some time to recharge, and we’ve been able to refresh things both physically and mentally. They’ve come back sharp and focused. While we’re satisfied with our position on the table, we know there’s been points we should have taken. The squad is aware of that, and it’s driven them to train even harder. Now, with everyone fit and ready, we’re really eager to get back out there and perform at our best.”
Veart on the challenge of travelling for back-to-back away games…
“Travelling to Wellington and then Macarthur is always a logistical challenge, but I don’t think it takes anything away from the squad. In fact, these trips help strengthen the bonds within the team. When you’re on the road together, it gives the players more time to build relationships, and that’s where strong team unity comes from. We’ve got everyone fit and available, which is a big bonus, and we’re feeling confident. Our aim is to pick up maximum points in both games.”
Veart on activities planned during the Wellington trip…
“It’s all business as usual for us. We always travel to Wellington a couple of days early, and this time we’ve added an extra day to make sure we’re well-prepared. The connection between Adelaide and Wellington can be tough, so it makes sense to stay there and train. We’ll have a couple of sessions to fine-tune things before we face Wellington, and it gives us a chance to recover properly without the strain of additional travel.”
Veart on Macarthur’s challenge…
“Macarthur are a tricky side. They’ve got a strong defensive structure, they sit deep, and they play a very efficient transition game. It’s something we’ve struggled with in previous seasons, but this year we’ve worked hard to address those transition moments. We’re expecting a tough match, especially playing away on a Monday night, but the boys are prepared.”
Veart on transfer window possibilities…
“We’re always keeping an eye on the squad, and the transfer window is an opportunity to strengthen if the right player becomes available. Right now, though, we’re happy with the group we have.
Veart on Archie Goodwin’s form…
“Archie’s been fantastic, and it’s showing in his performances. He’s been improving every week, and the fact that he’s scored in back-to-back games is a testament to that. He’s sitting second in the league’s goalscoring charts, and that’s with him not being 100% fit yet. He’s still working on getting his body back to full fitness, and once he’s there, we’ll see an even better version of him. There’s still plenty of room for improvement, but we’re thrilled with how he’s progressing, and I know he’s hungry for more.”
Adelaide United will be looking to maintain their strong start to the A-League season as they travel to face Macarthur FC on Monday night, with a fully fit squad and plenty of momentum.
