Dario Vidosic has reiterated that the mood amongst the Reds squad remains buoyant ahead of the New Years Eve clash against a resurgent Sydney FC.
Adelaide United FC midfielder Dario Vidosic has reiterated that the mood amongst the Reds squad remains buoyant ahead of the New Years Eve clash against a resurgent Sydney FC.
Despite the Reds coming off consecutive defeats for the first time this season, a calm and composed Vidosic emphasised there is no inkling of panic or concern creeping in as they prepare for one of the biggest matches on their Season 8 calendar.
United-s leading scorer this season with six goals to his name, Vidosic sees Monday night-s highly anticipated showdown against the Sky Blues as an ideal opportunity for the Reds to put their campaign, which saw them win eight of their first 11 games, back on track while also providing the perfect way to welcome in the New Year.
“Everyone is still confident. Sometimes this just happens and we need to rectify the situation and put on a good performance in front of what will hopefully be a massive crowd and a great occasion just before the New Year,” Vidosic said.
After a round of matches that saw the top two teams beaten by the two lowest placed sides in the league, Vidosic highlighted the importance of the Reds mentally turning up for every game and that any lapses could and most likely would prove costly.
This is something the Reds found out the hard way against Western Sydney nine days ago, while the closeness and unpredictability of the Hyundai A-League was also evidenced as the previously bottom placed Sydney FC toppled the league leading Central Coast Mariners less than 48 hours ago.
Hence, there will be no chance of Vidosic or the Reds underestimating Frank Farina-s team on Monday night.
“The competition is so cutthroat, every week is a final and if you don-t show up you won-t walk away with the three points,” Vidosic said.
“So now we just move on, we focus on Monday night-s game and if we come out in front of a big crowd on a big occasion and give everything, we have the quality to get the three points.”
Making the New Years Eve occasion even bigger is that it is the first and only time Sydney FC-s marquee signing and Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero is scheduled to play in Adelaide.
Sydney FC confirmed Del Piero would make the trip to Adelaide, and barring any mishap between now and kick-off, will take his place against the Reds.
Having played against the World Cup winner and former Juventus legend when the Reds defeated Sydney FC back in Week 8 at Allianz Stadium, Vidosic has already experienced first hand what Del Piero brings to the table.
United-s number 10 admits the chance for the South Australian sporting public to see Del Piero in action will definitely add to the contest, but while much of the attention may be around the 38 year old, Vidosic is only concentrating on the Reds getting back to playing the football they are capable of.
“He (Del Piero) is a big name, he has brought so much to the league and I think we-ll see a big crowd here on Monday and I think he-s a big part of that,” Vidosic said.
“But once we get out there we want to win, it doesn-t matter who-s out there, it-s 11 quality players and we have to pay attention to all of them, maybe a little bit more on Del Piero because of his class, but if we play our game then we-re a good chance to get the three points and get back to winning ways.”
Kick-Off is at 7.30pm ACDT and tickets are available through Ticketek.
