Adelaide United Head Coach Carl Veart says his side will leave nothing in the tank this Saturday night when they take on Melbourne City. With the Reds sitting just outside the top six, a positive result is a must.
Veart on bouncing back from a gruelling Brisbane trip…
“Considering the conditions in Brisbane and the state of the pitch, I think the boys have pulled up quite well. A couple of them are still a little sore from the hardness of the ground, but the energy is good and they’re all looking forward to Saturday night. It’s the last game of the home and away season, and we know what’s at stake. The message is simple: focus on ourselves, control what we can control, and back ourselves in the way we want to play football. If we get things right, we’re still in with a shot.”
Veart on approaching Melbourne City differently to Brisbane Roar…
“Yeah, the tactical setup in Brisbane was specific to that game and those conditions. But against City, we can’t sit off too much. They’re a very good side with great players on the ball, so we need to be more aggressive with our pressing. It’ll be a different approach — we’ll go with our strongest side, and players like Archie [Goodwin] and Zach [Clough] will come back into the eleven. There’s nothing to hold back. We have to give everything we’ve got.”
Veart on motivation and emotion ahead of a potential last game in charge…
“I said before, I’m sure this won’t be the last time I’m here at Coopers Stadium, but the focus is solely on the Melbourne City game. The rest can wait. Of course, there’s emotion involved. You’ve got players like Isaías and others potentially playing their last game for the club — they’ll want to go out on a high. But honestly, every player should feel that motivation. All I ask is that they give 100% for the club and be the best versions of themselves out there.”
Veart on the frustration of the final run-in…
“It’s been a tough couple of months. We’ve had games where we’ve played well and not gotten the result, and others where we haven’t performed and been punished. The story of the season really has been our inconsistency — and the number of costly mistakes that have led to goals. But we can’t dwell on that now. Saturday is another opportunity, and we’re going there confident. It’s about putting our best foot forward and getting those three points. That’s all that matters right now.”
