Zach Clough is thriving at Adelaide United, rediscovering his passion for the game and hitting a purple patch of form. With three goals and two assists in his last three matches, the Aurelio Vidmar medalist is in his best shape since joining the Reds, proving instrumental in United’s unbeaten start to the season.
Reflecting on his footballing journey, Clough acknowledges the rejuvenation he’s found in Adelaide.
“I think I found it after about six months of being here, like it was just such a good environment to come into. The coaches are very patient with you at first, because foreigners, it’s hard to adapt here… I think it’s been perfect for me,” Clough said.
“It’s the weather, the pitches, it’s a lot different. You do take, like, little niggles at the start, but I feel once I’ve got used to the lifestyle and the system we play here, I think it’s been perfect for me. And yeah, hopefully I’ll be here for many more years to come and enjoy my football.”
That renewed passion is translating directly into his performance on the pitch. Clough’s red-hot form has seen him consistently finding the back of the net.
“In terms of goals, I feel like I’m getting into good areas. I’m really working on the areas, and watching goal scorers,” he explained, clearly focused on honing his craft. “Every goal I’ve scored has been inside the box, so it’s something I’m really working on.”
United’s resilience has also been on full display, with the team demonstrating a never-say-die attitude in their recent matches. Clough believes that the squad’s mental toughness is one of their biggest strengths.
“I always feel like we’re going to get back into the game no matter what. Even if we go behind, we just don’t panic. It’s because of the way we play, the belief we have in each other, and the quality that runs through the squad. There’s a real sense that, no matter the situation, we can turn things around.”
The team’s ability to come from behind has been a defining trait this season, showing their strong mindset and ability to rise to the challenge under pressure. Clough emphasised that this confidence isn’t just talk—it’s backed by the results they’ve been producing on the field.
Looking ahead, Adelaide United face two crucial away fixtures against Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners, before heading into a pair of blockbuster festive clashes with both Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers. Clough’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time as United push to stay near the top of the table.
Clough, full of confidence and enjoying his football again, will be looking to continue his goal-scoring run and keep Adelaide’s form on track.
