Fresh from scoring his maiden Hyundai A-League goal, Johan Absalonsen is confident Adelaide United is heading in the right direction.
The Reds had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their season opener at Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.
However, despite being held to a draw, the former Danish international was overall content with the team’s performance.
“I think when I look back we had the biggest chances and biggest opportunities to win the game,” he said.
“So of course we’re a little bit disappointed but on the other hand we could’ve been unlucky and lost that game.
“So all in all a fine start on a difficult away pitch.”
Welcome to the @ALeague, Johan Absalonsen.
Tune into #WELvADL now on @FOXFOOTBALL 501. #ALeague pic.twitter.com/KziG2bvRH8— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) October 8, 2017
Absalonsen also reflected on his first Hyundai A-League match and admitted the high intensity is something that will take time adjusting to.
“It’s hard, it’s physically hard,” he explained. “I’m running a lot and I’m running a lot more than I used to do.
“So that’s the biggest difference I need to deal with, the tempo and the running – that’s different to what I’m used to.
“It’s more physical and more powerful and it’s more attack and attack instead of maybe keeping the ball for longer periods.
“But I like that style, it’s perfect for me but it’s also hard so I have to adapt.”
Those fresh #AUFC kit feels.
? Get yours: https://t.co/1XSt3TzA7R pic.twitter.com/GaA9MU6S8E
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) October 9, 2017
The 32-year-old said he and the rest of the players have gelled well together, due to the friendly environment in the dressing room.
“It’s a good squad and we get along very well together,” he said.
“So it’s been pretty easy for me to join the squad, so when that’s easy it’s also easy to play on the team.
“So all in all it’s been an easy start for me and an easy way into the team.”
Absalonsen also said he and his family are enjoying life in the city of Adelaide since arriving at the Club in July.
“I’m looking forward to summer, real summer,” he added.
“But for now it’s been really good, my wife and our two kids also like it here.
“And that’s the most important thing for me besides the football.
“So all in all it’s been a very good start for me here.”
The Reds have a short turnaround before taking on Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
Absalonsen said the squad will do everything it can to claim the three points.
“Of course it’s important, but we have two difficult away games now,” he said.
“It’s not only about the victory if we can maybe get a draw under the right circumstances it can also be a good result.
“But of course we’ll go for a win up there and try to see if we can get four points now and that would be perfect.”
Adelaide United will face Brisbane Roar in Round 2 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Friday, 13 October at Suncorp Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
