Joe Caletti is determined to build on his impressive Reds debut when Adelaide United host Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
Caletti marshalled the midfield expertly alongside Louis D’Arrigo against Western United on Monday in the 0-0 draw in Geelong.
The 22-year-old said after analysing the match they quickly shifted focus to the challenges City present and where they need to improve.
“We had to focus on the next game straight away, it’s been a quick turnaround we’ve got Melbourne City coming up,” Caletti told reporters at Coopers Stadium.
“They’re going to be another really good team this year, so it’s just been taking the positives that we can, tweaking a few little things in our structure which we’re still learning as we go.
“And we’re going to be ready to go against Melbourne City at home so we’re all really looking forward to it.”
It was an assured display from Caletti, who completed 84% of his passes, won two tackles and made three clearances and two interceptions against the Green and Black.
“It was good for me to get back out there in the A-League,” he said upon reflection.
“I’ve honestly missed it and I was really excited to get going, I worked really hard in the offseason when I was at home during the COVID break.
“So it’s good to see that kind of paying off a bit and again for me it’s something to build off.”
Caletti admitted he was extremely excited about the prospect of playing at Coopers Stadium as United player, given it is one of his favourite venues in the country.
“When I was at Brisbane I used to always look forward to playing at Coopers Stadium,” he explained.
“Just because of the stadium, the pitch and the atmosphere that you get here it’s incredible.
“So being a Red now it’s going to be that much better because the fans are going to be on my side so I really can’t wait and it’s going to be a really good game.”
City defeated Brisbane Roar 1-0 at Dolphin Stadium in Matchweek 1 and the defensive midfielder, while wary of their strengths, insisted they must back themselves.
“They’re going to be a confident team,” he continued.
“Last year we all saw what they could do, but we’ll be ready for them and we’re going to be confident in ourselves.
“We’re going to make Coopers (Stadium) a fortress at home, so we’re hoping for a really good performance and three points.”
Next match details:
Game date: Sunday, 3 January vs Melbourne City
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 2
Kick-off 5.35pm ACDT
Gates open 4.35pm ACDT
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
