Fresh from inking a one-year contract extension with Adelaide United, Michael Marrone has his sights on beating fierce rivals Melbourne Victory on Friday night.
Marrone said he was thrilled his future remained with his hometown team, after recently overtaking Isaías for second spot on the Club’s all-time appearances list.
The versatile defender admitted he never thought about reaching a milestone like that when he made his Reds debut during the 2008/09 season, in what was his first spell with United.
“It’s a nice achievement, it’s something I didn’t expect,” Marrone confessed at a press conference.
“I had a look at the list and I think when I first started coming into the team we had players like Travis Dodd and of course Eugene was there as well.
“And they were really big mentors and big players, so to surpass a couple of those guys is special.”
Marrone said winning more silverware with the Club is something that continues to serve as motivation. The 32-year-old’s honours include three FFA Cups and a Hyundai A-League Premiership and Championship.
“I think just what’s important at this stage is just for the Club to try and have continued success,” he said.
“As I said before whether you’re in the starting eleven, or you’re coming off the bench, or you’re watching from the stands, just to be a part of the team pushing forward and always striving for success.”
However, as it currently stands, the Reds are experiencing a form slump which has produced four straight defeats.
Marrone believes a blockbuster encounter on Friday night is the perfect antidote to snapping their winless streak and be an impetus moving forward.
“If there’s ever a time to play Melbourne Victory at home on a Friday night it’s this week,” he claimed.
“Players are always up for a Friday, and I think sometimes form can go out the window.
“And it’s probably a good thing for us because we’re on a bit of a losing streak so we really welcome Friday night and I’m sure all the players will be up for it to get the win.”
Victory will have new interim coach, Carlos Salvachua, in the dugout for the match following the departure of Marco Kurz on Wednesday.
Marrone expected Melbourne’s style not to alter too much given the short amount of time to implement a new system.
“I guess difficult to judge in terms of how they’re going to fare in performance,” he continued.
“But I think with such a short turnaround, only a couple of days I don’t think any coach can sort of implement anything too drastic.
“We’re probably going to see something similar of their style.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory in Round 15 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Friday, 17 January at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Gates open at 5.30pm. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
