Adelaide United must improve if they are to win a third FFA Cup when they host Melbourne City in the decider, according to Captain Michael Jakobsen.
The Reds secured a 2-1 comeback victory over the Central Coast Mariners in Wednesday night’s Semi-Final courtesy of a George Blackwood strike and Riley McGree’s 90th minute winner.
It is now Adelaide’s third consecutive final appearance and fourth overall as they entertain City at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday, 23 October, looking to defend their crown.
Jakobsen said it was a fantastic feeling reaching yet another cup decider.
Re-live, recap, and get ready for another @FFACup Final at Coopers. 👊 #AUFC #FFACup
📰 Report: https://t.co/URroUHM7oQ pic.twitter.com/1Hwn8kVjwi
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 2, 2019
“We’re stoked that we’re in another final,” he told FOX Sports after the match.
“It’s something we aim for in the pre-season and something we look forward to every week. To go into another final is perfect.
“Last year with Adelaide as well it was an amazing atmosphere at home. If we can do it again that would be amazing.”
However, despite the Reds’ progression, Gertjan Verbeek’s side did not have it all their own way and really only clicked into gear after trailing 1-0 from Jack Clisby’s goal and following Matt Simon’s dismissal.
The Danish centre-back acknowledged they must be better and bring that urgency from the outset in order to add to their 2014 and 2018 triumphs.
“They made it hard for us,” he said.
“They came out with a good tempo and energy to the game and were putting us under pressure.
The @FFACup Final is coming back to @CoopersStadium!
Sign up for Membership now to take full advantage of the member pre-sale: https://t.co/x7U16H1bGR#AUFC #FFACup pic.twitter.com/2GjuHjSJlv
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 2, 2019
“It was like when we got behind we started playing and that’s the intensity we need to have at the beginning.
“If we perform like this against Melbourne, we’re going to struggle so we need to up our game for the final.”
Adelaide United will host Melbourne City in the FFA Cup 2019 Final at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday, 23 October. Kick-off is at 7pm (ACDT).
FFA Cup Final 2019 Ticketing details
Coopers Stadium
- Friday, 4 October 2019: 12:00pm (ACST) – Adelaide United Members presale (including same seat)
- Friday, 4 October 2019: 12:00pm (ACST) – Melbourne City FC Members presale
- Tuesday 8 October 2019: 3:00pm (ACDT) – Football Family Presale
- Wednesday 9 October 2019: 9:00am (ACDT)- General Public on sale
