Adelaide United’s A-League Men’s 2024/25 campaign came to an end on Friday night, going down 3-2 to Western United in a hard-fought Elimination Final in Tarniet.
Carl Veart addressed the media post-match in what was his final press conference as Head Coach of the Reds.
Veart on bowing out in the Elimination Final…
“We got off to the perfect start, but after that Western were very desperate in that first half and we just didn’t deal with their movement. We couldn’t get pressure on the ball and they made the most of it. We addressed that at half-time and I thought we were much better in the second half. But again, we conceded some soft goals — and defensively, at times, we just need to be more desperate and a bit stronger.”
Veart on defensive lapses and season-long struggles at the back…
“We’ve spoken a lot this season about the need to tighten up defensively, and unfortunately tonight was another example of why. In Finals football, the margins are so small, and you can’t afford to switch off. We gave away goals that were preventable, and that’s something that’s hurt us all year. You can’t question the effort, but at this level, effort alone isn’t enough — it’s about being ruthless and organised, especially without the ball.”
Veart on being outmatched physically…
“Our boys gave everything, but Western were stronger in those key 50/50s and more aggressive in the challenges, especially early on. That swung the momentum their way. In Finals football, the physical edge matters — and they came out on top.”
Veart on the disappointment of bowing out after a strong start…
“To go one-nil up so early in a game of this magnitude, you’ve got to capitalise. We had our foot on their throat, and we let them off the hook. We didn’t build on that momentum, and Western punished us. That’s what Finals football is — it’s cut-throat. If you don’t stay sharp for 90 minutes, you get caught. And unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to us tonight.”
Veart on the end of his tenure…
“It probably won’t hit me until I go home and reflect. It’s been five really enjoyable years and I’m proud of what I’ve done for the club and the trajectory we’ve been on. Hopefully that can continue.”
Veart on what’s next…
“As a coach, you never really know when the next opportunity will come. I’ll take a bit of time to reflect, maybe do some more learning and development — but I’ll be ready when the right opportunity comes along.”
Veart on the state of the A-League…
“We undersell our game too much. The quality is there, the excitement is there, and young players are emerging across the country. What we need is more investment in infrastructure — boutique stadiums like this one that suit football, not empty big venues.”
Veart on his legacy and South Australian youth development…
“I was a young South Australian once given an opportunity — and that’s all I’ve tried to do for the next generation. We’ve shown that if you back young players, they’ll reward you. Some have excelled quickly, others take time — but patience and belief are key.”
Veart on his message to the next coach and the club…
“I hope they keep the identity we’ve created. We’ve played an exciting brand, blooded youth, and made Finals in most of my time here. With better resourcing, who knows how far we could’ve gone — but I’m proud of what we achieved.”
