Adelaide United forward, Bruce Djite, has said last weekend’s loss to Melbourne Victory was very disappointing considering how hard the Reds fought, but with a big game against Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday, a win would be the perfect way to bounce-back.
“(It was) obviously a disappointing loss, especially when you consider we scored five goals (including two own-goals) and still didn’t get the win,” Djite said in light of United’s Round 8 result.
“But I think that’s part-and-parcel with the game – you can’t win every match. In saying that, though, of course we wanted to win it.
“Melbourne Victory are a formidable side and they showed that on the weekend. I feel we played quite well, especially in the second half. I think they started off on fire in the first 15-20 minutes and that hurt us. We expected it, but they caused a bit of damage.
Despite the loss, Djite continued by saying that confidence through the team remains high heading into the weekend’s game against the Wanderers and a good showing in front of home support on Saturday will be the perfect way to bounce-back.
“The confidence is still very high (throughout the team) and considering we’re playing (at Coopers Stadium) on the weekend, we’re definitely going to be going for those three points.
“We’re confident at home (because) our fans are fantastic and more often than not they carry us over the line. So we want to put on a good performance for our supporters, ourselves, and everyone involved with the club because we want to keep the momentum going.
When asked about the surprising start the Wanderers have had to their 2014/15 season, Djite said he was very surprised that they are yet to register a win in the A-League, but it’s something he and his teammates will be conscious of.
“I can’t believe (they’re still winless), but we have to be aware of that because that’s really going to give them impetus to come here and upset us.
“They have a great squad and have been playing some pretty good football – it’s not that they’ve been ‘out-to-sea’, or not knowing what they’ve been doing.
“But we know their strengths and maybe where they have a few weaknesses and we’re going to try and exploit that on the weekend.
Reflecting on his return to the starting XI after missing the clash against Central Coast Mariners in Round 7 due to injury, Djite explained that he felt good overall and will be in perfect shape to face the Wanderers, but he definitely felt the effects of such a hard-fought match against Victory.
Adelaide United will face Western Sydney Wanderers at Coopers Stadium in Round 9 of the 2014/15 season of the Hyundai A-League on Saturday, 6 December. Kick off is at 7.00pm ACDT. To purchase tickets, click here.
