Adelaide United midfielder, Nathan Konstandopoulos, says finding form against the Western Sydney Wanderers at ANZ Stadium on Sunday will only breed more confidence ahead of finals.
The Reds will be aiming to build some momentum against the Wanderers in preparation for next weekend’s massive Elimination Final against either Melbourne City or Melbourne Victory.
Adelaide have already secured a top-six berth and face a WSW outfit which must win to seal a finals place or at least draw, but only if Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory play out a stalemate on Saturday night.
Adelaide suffered a 3-0 loss to Premiers Sydney FC last time out, while Western Sydney beat Brisbane 3-0.
Konstandopoulos was adamant that defeat, which snapped a three-match unbeaten streak, was merely an anomaly and stated his teammates have an innate desire to always perform at their best.
“I think we recognise that last week was not the best of performances and we know we need to be focused going into the finals,” he said.
“We all have our own motivation within us to try and do the best we can each week.
“He (Marco Kurz) basically just said let’s stick to what we’re good at and let’s focus and make some good form into the finals.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5769437227001
Konstandopoulos said claiming the three points in the last game of the regular season would be the ideal way of preparing for next week’s do-or-die crunch clash.
“We really need to make sure we focus for this game and get some good momentum going into the finals,” he said.
“I think it’s really important if we have that win under our belt it’ll give us a lot more confidence going into the game.
“And confidence is massive in football and I think if we’ve got that it’ll put us in good stead for the finals.”
The young midfielder has been one of the revelations under Kurz’s tutelage this season, so far featuring in a total of 25 matches, while scoring three goals.
Konstandopoulos admitted he is relishing the opportunity of playing regularly this year and has also started the past four matches.
“I’m really enjoying my football,” he said.
“Obviously last week was a bit of a hiccup but I’m really trying to make this position my own.
“But like I always say it’s always about the team and the best I can do for the team.”
Adelaide United face Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 27 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Sunday, 15 April at ANZ Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACST.
