Iacopo La Rocca says Adelaide United must not lose their focus with just five games left of the season, whilst also being confident the Reds can retain top position on the Hyundai A-League table.
Following United’s substantial 4-0 win over Wellington Phoenix last Saturday, Adelaide added to their undefeated streak to make it 14 games since their last loss, whilst also rising to top spot on the league table.
But with only five games left of the regular season, the Reds will look to continue to abide by their game-by-game philosophy, with four matches against the current top six giving United a difficult run in to the Finals.
“Being on top of the (Hyundai A-League) table is a fantastic achievement for the players and the Club,” La Rocca said.
“But we do have five tough games left, and if we want the Championship, we have to try and win or get as many points as possible in each one of those games.
“The work for us has not ended yet, but if we keep playing the way we have been, there is a big possibility that we can continue this form right up to the Finals.”
La Rocca did not shy away from making he and his teammate’s intentions clear when discussing what the Reds want to achieve by the end of this campaign, highlighting the strong winning mentality that is flowing through the United squad and birthed their resurgent second half of the season.
“Our main goal at the end of the season is to be the champions, but our hard work and focus must not stop now.
“Going into every game, we have had the mentality that we will win the game, especially now that our confidence grows with every good performance and when other teams play against us they know it is not an easy task.
“We are definitely one of the strong teams in the league, and looking back on where we came from at the start of the season has made us continue to fight more.”
Ahead of the Reds’ next match against fourth-placed Melbourne City on Friday night, La Rocca knows the two sides are relatively evenly matched, which will undoubtedly provide a tightly fought contest.
“I believe that Melbourne City have the best attacking side in the league, and we have the best defensive side,” he continued. “It will be a tough game, but we are home at Coopers Stadium and we will make sure it won’t be an easy task for them.
“We will play like we always do, and we have the quality of players who can get this job done and we must stick together to reach our target, being the three points.
“Our Head Coach (Guillermo Amor), has also given us the confidence and has had the belief in the team from the start.”
Adelaide United will face Melbourne City in Round 23 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Friday, 11 March at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.10pm ACDT.
