Jordan Elsey believes Adelaide United are far from the finished article but says they are on the right track as the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season approaches.
The Reds are currently on a training camp in Victoria which began in Ballarat and will finish in Melbourne today following two behind-closed-doors friendlies against Melbourne City.
Elsey, one of the leaders in the team, said the trip serves as a good team bonding exercise in addition to just playing games and building fitness.
“Obviously it’s always good to get away with the boys and build chemistry off the field which is very important,” Elsey said.
“I feel like we’re a very tight-knit group and we all get along so trips like these are pretty easy, and everyone gets along and also we worked hard so that’s another positive.”
On Saturday, Adelaide played out a 0-0 draw with Western United with Elsey suggesting the team played reasonably well given the conditions.
“I thought we did alright in tough conditions, it was windy and wet,” he explained.
“We created a few chances and to be fair so did they to be fair, and we defended well I thought.
“Pre-season is about playing games and getting minutes into the legs and working on what we want to do as a footballing group and it’s coming together nicely.”
The defender, who has played 92 games for the Reds since debuting in the 2013/14 campaign, also discussed the team’s room for improvement ahead of the league campaign.
Elsey said creating chances and subsequently converting those opportunities are crucial to Adelaide’s success.
“Obviously there’s improvement to be had everywhere all around the pitch,” he stated.
“But we need to be creating a lot of chances and we need to finish these chances off.
“We’re defending well as a team, not just the defenders, but the strikers as well – we’re all defending well and haven’t conceded in the last two games.
“So it’s just finishing those chances and creating more chances.”
United tackle Central Coast Mariners in Gosford next Wednesday night in the FFA Cup with a spot for a third straight Final appearance on the line.
The 25-year-old was eagerly awaiting the Semi-final clash and said his side are desperate to return to the title decider and go back-to-back.
“First and foremost, very excited for the game,” he said.
“This is our cup, this is our cup last year and we take this cup very seriously so we’re looking forward to a tough game.
“Central Coast are playing well and they got this far so far so it should be a good game.
“And we’re playing away from home which will be another test, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Adelaide United face Central Coast Mariners in the Semi-finals of the FFA Cup 2019 on Wednesday, 2 October at Central Coast Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports.
