Adelaide United Defender Tarek Elrich believes that after last week’s defeat the boys are still confident ahead of this weekend’s clash against the Wellington Phoenix.
The defender put down the loss to a small patch of play in the second half where the team was unable to stay focused and keep the ball from entering the net.
“It’s one of those ones where it was a bit tough against Melbourne. We had a 5, 10 minute period there where we couldn’t weather the storm and they got two quick goals. And being at home in front of their own fans it’s the same when we’re playing in Adelaide, the momentum was hard to break down.
“The third goal we went three at the back and tried to push for a goal, had a chance or two to bring the game back level and we copped a goal where there was a number of small errors. But in saying that we pushed to get the goal.”
Looking ahead to this weekend’s match against a Wellington side sitting equal on points, Elrich sees more pressure riding on them rather than the Reds.
“On paper they (Wellington) have a quality team, and they’re front third, the boys they’ve got there are guys that win you games, and that’s what they have been doing.
“They’re in form as well, and they’re on equal points so they’re very confident, and the last time they played us they beat us so the pressure’s on them because they’re in a good way and playing well.
With Nigel Boogaard set to return but Osama Malik still out, Elrich sees this as a prime opportunity to come away with the three points, playing at the Hutt Recreational Ground rather than Wellington’s regular home ground of Westpac Stadium.
“Look it’s going to be hard for them; they’re not playing at their home ground, their natural home ground, (so) it’s probably a good thing at this time for us to play them at a pitch away from Westpac.
“(Apart from Malik) injury wise the boys are all fighting fit and hopefully we can field close to our best team.
Adelaide United depart tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon, a day earlier in preparation for Saturday’s clash with Wellington Phoenix. The team will undergo a training session on Friday afternoon in Wellington where they will have a chance to train at the Hutt Recreation Ground.
Adelaide United travel to take on Wellington Phoenix in Round 20 of the Hyundai 2014/15 A-League season on Saturday, 7 March at the Hutt Recreation Ground, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. Kick off at 2:30pm ACDT (5:00pm local time).
