Michael Marrone is confident Adelaide United can continue their blistering form against Wellington Phoenix at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
After enduring back-to-back defeats to begin the Hyundai A-League season, the Reds have now strung four successive wins together, while playing some impressive, free-flowing football.
Adelaide comprehensively dispatched Melbourne Victory 3-1 in their most recent outing and Marrone explained there has been multiple factors behind their turnaround in fortunes.
“It’s not just one thing,” the experienced defender told the media at a press conference.
“It’s not just one week’s preparation, it’s been the whole pre-season.
“The way we want to set up and led by the coach and the players themselves.
“It’s not just one thing even the first two games that we lost of the season, they were a little bit unfortunate.
“… We’re playing good football and we just have to focus on keep doing what we’re doing and not over complicate it I think.”
Kick on the Pitch is back this Sunday thanks to @hit107! #AUFC #ADLvWELhttps://t.co/yvfJDVeoAD
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 25, 2019
United defeated Victory in a convincing display on Saturday night, making it three straight triumphs over our arch rivals for the first time since 2011.
“I think it was a really good all-round performance,” he said.
“Obviously Riley stole the headlines with two goals, but I don’t think anyone played poorly.
“We all did really well and limited their chances and at the same time we had a lot of chances and played good football, so we’re happy.”
With four wins from the first six games, it is also the Reds’ best start to a season since the 2014/15 campaign.
But the 32-year-old is not losing sight of the fact the season is still in its infancy and based on previous experience.
Adelaide finished in third place in 2014/15, but a year later clinched a historic Premiership and Championship double, despite being winless from their opening eight games.
“It’s good that we’re in good form,” he stated.
“We just want to continue that momentum, those points we’ll be really valuable come the end of the season.
“And I think as you’ve seen in previous years it’s important you hit your peak come finals time, but you’ve to put yourself in a good position to be near the top to be in the finals too.
“So we’ll just push forward as best we can at the moment.”
The Phoenix won their first game of 2019/20 following a 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar on the weekend and Marrone believes they are a good side.
“I’ve watched a bit of their games play and I’m sure we’ll do some more video stuff today,” he said.
“They’re playing pretty well and they’re pretty well structured, but we’ve got two home games coming up.
“We need to make the most of them and we’ve got good form so I can’t see any reason why we can’t push for a win.”
Adelaide United host Wellington Phoenix in Round 8 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Sunday, 1 December at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.30pm ACDT. Gates open at 4.30pm. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
