Iacopo La Rocca has called for Adelaide United to finish their remarkable season in the best possible way when they face Melbourne City on Friday night – securing a valuable three points that could see the Reds become Premiers.
Although United won’t know directly after their clash with City whether they’ll be Premiers at the conclusion of Round 27, or not, a win will give Adelaide the best possible chance of clinching the title.
Should the Reds beat City, they’ll remain reliant on Brisbane Roar dropping points away to current Hyundai A-League Champions, Melbourne Victory. Both sides are in good form heading into their clash, but it’s Victory that are also juggling AFC Champions League commitments that are undoubtedly pushing Kevin Muscat’s squad to the limit.
Nevertheless, Iacopo La Rocca has declared he and his teammates are solely focused on taking all three points from the Citizens on Friday night, refusing to think about any other fixtures this weekend.
“Everyone knows this is a big game and we need to be focused on getting the three points so we can finish off this season in a good way,” La Rocca said.
“We are approaching this game like normal and we will go into it confidently.
“It is like a Grand Final for us, but we will stick together as a team and play hard for one another.
“If we were to finish in the top two, or maybe even become the Premiers, it would mean a lot to everyone because of how we started (the season).
“We have been playing very good football. Either way, we are proud of what we are doing, but we have to keep going.
The versatile Italian defender also shed light on his side’s chances in coming up against this season’s most prolific team in front of goal, highlighting United’s defensive resoluteness as being key to their successes so far.
“We’re expecting a tough game from a team with good players, but we know if we play at our best, we can win this match,” he continued.
“We’re the best defensive side in the competition (conceding the fewest goals) and there is a lot of confidence in our team at the moment.
“For defenders, it’s a difficult position to be in (when games are so important). If you make one mistake, the opposition can score and it can mean a lot more than in normal games.
“But one mistake against a team like Melbourne City can be even more (costly) because of how strong they are.
“Because of this, our minds must only be on this game and we must stay concentrated for the entire 90 minutes. This is the only way to be sure you do your best for the team.”
Adelaide United will face Melbourne City in Round 27 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Friday, 8 April at AAMI Park. Kick-off is at 7.10pm ACST.
