Adelaide United Head Coach, Josep Gombau, says Saturday’s match with Melbourne Victory at Coopers Stadium is as important as ever for his side’s championship aspirations, but stressed the importance of remembering the match is still worth three points.
With a mere three points separating the top five Hyundai A-League sides and just six matches to play before the finals, Adelaide United’s highly anticipated clash with Melbourne Victory on Saturday is set to be one of the most explosive fixtures this season.
But Josep Gombau remains his usual calm self as he and his players put the final touches on their game plan with the hope of denting Victory’s push for A-League glory, but also revitalising the Reds’ own chances of success.
“I know that this game is very important for the club, the fans, and the people (of South Australia),” Gombau said.
“I want to win for these reasons more than personal reasons and also for the position that we’re now in on the table. I want to win every single game and I have the same feeling (each week), but it’s for the team and for the fans.
“But the points (that we can earn this week) are the same as every week.
“There are five teams involved with this very nice finishing of the A-League and if you want to be fighting to win the league then you need to win matches.
“In terms of the game, tomorrow (Saturday) will be an important one. We play at home and we need to have this mentality that we’ve had all year. We’ll try to win this game to try to be as high in the ladder as we can and to try to play in the finals.”
Speaking on Victory and the way his side will take on one of their key championship rivals, Gombau said he and his team have approached the match the same as any other – by analysing their opposition and specifically tailoring a system to suit.
“We know very clearly what we want and the way that they play,” Gombau explained.
“Every single game we set up with different things. We have our style when we have the ball, but when we don’t, depending on our opponents, we change things.
“This game is also like this. When they have this power up front that everybody knows they have, what you need to try to do is not allow them to have the ball in (easy situations).
“Victory is a team that is good in attack, but is also aggressive in their transitions between when they have the ball and don’t.
“I think the difference between the teams isn’t so (great) in terms of quality of players and in terms of everything (else). We know what we need to do and tomorrow we will put it on the park.”
Adelaide goes into the clash full of confidence after a determined 2-1 victory over Central Coast Mariners in the previous round, whilst Victory made light work of their match against Western Sydney Wanderers, winning 3-0.
Adelaide United host arch rivals Melbourne Victory in Round 22 of the Hyundai 2014/15 A-League season on Saturday, 21 March at Coopers Stadium. Kick off at 7.00pm ACDT. To purchase tickets, click here.
