Bruce Djite said the game against Melbourne City on Friday night is a must-win for Adelaide United to make their dreams a reality in claiming the Hyundai A-League Premiership.
The Reds will face the team that ended their unbeaten run last month, Melbourne City, and the urgency for a top two finish is at an all-time high, as both clubs are in the running to grasp the Premier’s Plate, and as finals approach.
Following United’s dominance against Sydney FC last week, striker, Bruce Djite showed a brilliant individual performance with a brace to score the Reds a 2-0 win over their opponents. But the striker is adament that he and his teammates have to remain focused and stick to their game-plan as the goal of being Champions has not yet been achieved.
“I’m feeling good, I’ve felt good for most of the season,” Djite said. “But as a team we have to realise that if we don’t win against Melbourne City, our dream of being Champions could fall and our hard work will not have been used to its full potential.
“We also really want a top two finish on the ladder, and to ensure that, we need to win on Friday night.
“This game against City is the most crucial one of the season and it has reached the part where all the big games start to present themselves.
“We have players who have fantastic characters, who are used to playing in these types of scenarios and that experience will be priceless come game-day.
“We must stay humble and keep on the same path that we have been on recently, we haven’t reached Finals yet so it is up to the fans to show their support and for us players to remain level-headed and our feet firmly on the ground.”
In taking on Melbourne City, Djite commented on the quality of their opponents and once again, echoing the factor of remaining focused to secure the three points in their last game of the season.
“It will be a very tough game, and Melbourne City are a fantastic outfit,” he continued. “They are also a team we have not beaten which makes it all the more important.
“On game day we will stick to our routine and do what we do best, and prepare the best way we can to be fully focused for the game.
“Our last game against City was a very close one and they scored towards the end.
“They are a good opponent with great attack, and in saying that we have a solid defence and all-round team, we’ll have to hit their weak spots and take our chances.
“Our confidence is high as always, but we aren’t over confident so it’s important to stay level-headed and recognise the situation that we are in, we are in a good spot and we need to try and capitalise on that.
“With the experience of last season, and a skilled squad, we know we will have to put our best foot forward on Friday night to get the best result and that is the key for us and what we have set out to do.”
Adelaide United will face Melbourne City in Round 27 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Friday, 8 April at AAMI Park. Kick-off is at 7.10pm ACST.
