Ahead of Adelaide United’s Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season opener against Melbourne Victory, Head Coach, Guillermo Amor, and winger, Sergio Cirio, have both said the Reds fear nothing and are expecting to come out of the match at Adelaide Oval on top.
With team sheets now submitted, the big question in the minds of many is whom Amor will be picking in his first official Hyundai A-League starting XI. Amor, however, refused to budge when asked, instead, reiterating the fact that his entire squad will be ready if called upon.
“Yes (I have chosen my starting XI for tomorrow),” Amor admitted.
“It’s always difficult to choose, though. Some players in the team at this moment have problems, others can play, but (what I will say is that) we have finalised a final list of 18 players.
“Of course it always depends on who is available but we’re all ready.
“The team is looking forward to the game and to start the league and we are very confident to get the result.”
One man who is certain to start, though, is goalkeeper, John Hall, who will make his starting debut for the Reds through the absence of Club Captain, Eugene Galekovic, due to his involvement with the Socceroos’ World Cup Qualifiers.
“John is a young player but he is prepared for this game and to do his job,” Amor continued.
“He is a professional who is hungry, who trains very hard, and who is mentally strong. He will do well.”
Looking at United’s opponents, Victory, Amor also refused to single out any individuals from the Victorian outfit of significant threat, stating the team as a collective is far more dangerous than any one individual.
One key aspect that Amor believes will impact the match though, is the fact Victory will be playing away, as the nature of their play differs from when playing in Melbourne.
“(Victory) are a strong team with a strong mentality right across the field. But football is football and tomorrow is a new game and it is possible for us to win.
“When Victory play at home, they play different (to when they are away). Normally when they’re at home, in the first 25 to 30 minutes they press high on goal. But when they come to Adelaide Oval and Coopers Stadium the play different.
“I will not single out any one player for Victory because it’s very difficult for one player to win a game for a team. For me their whole group is where the difficulty is because a team wins games more than individuals do.”
Echoing Amor’s views, yet from a player’s perspective, Sergio Cirio said the Reds are prepared to send shockwaves through the reining Champions’ squad before their season has even truly begun, matching them at all levels on the park including physicality.
“We are ready for our game. No question,” Cirio said.
“The off-season was a little bit long, but I think the last game that we played against Sydney FC was the best game we played this pre-season), so we’re at a good level.
“(Physicality in matches) happens in a match with this kind of rivalry and last game we knew they were a team that would do these types of things, so we’re ready for that too.
“No one in the team is worried, though.
“We want to start the A-League well because it’s a big game at Adelaide Oval and we know we can prove how well we can play against Victory.”
Adelaide United will face Melbourne Victory in Round 1 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season at Adelaide Oval on Friday, 9 October 2015. Kick-off is at 7.10 pm. To buy tickets, click here.
