Guillermo Amor and Stefan Mauk say Adelaide United have prepared for another testing match when they face Melbourne City on Friday night, but insist the Reds’ focus won’t be disrupted.
Remaining in the midst of a red-hot run of 14 matches since their last defeat, it’s been 17 matches since the Reds faced City in Round 5, suffering a 4-2 loss at Coopers Stadium.
But with United now sitting at the top of the Hyundai A-League table, following their 4-0 demolition of Wellington Phoenix last weekend, a lot has changed.
Speaking ahead of the game, Reds’ Head Coach, Guillermo Amor, emphasised the importance of the match, saying that his players are confident and prepared for the challenge that City will put forth.
“The team is in very good condition and we are prepared as this is an important game and winning the three points is the main focus for us,” Amor said.
“This is a big opportunity and this moment is important, after that we will focus on the rest of the games.
“There confidence of the players has grown immensely, and when a team is in a good position players are more calm and sure of their abilities on the ball and the situation of the game.
“We will play to win, and put on the pressure because Melbourne City are a good team on the ball and have many experienced players who we must pay close attention to.
“These players can decide the game, and do it very quickly, but we also have the players who are capable of stopping this and doing the same but there is always danger in football and we must focus for the full 90 minutes.”
United attacking-midfielder, Stefan Mauk, will face his old club for the first time since joining the Reds, but has said he will not be intimidated by the prospect of facing former teammates.
“It will just be a normal game for me,” Mauk said. “But once the whistle blows it will just be like playing against any other team.
“Adelaide United is a very welcoming club, from when I first arrived until now, I have felt very important to everyone here, and they have been good to me.
“Being a part of this team, I can see where the confidence brews from because of the way the club feels and everyone is in unity.
“With the spirit of the group, I don’t see too many teams being able to stop us if we continue to play the way we have.
“And when a team has been winning, players continue to play well, as Guillermo (Amor) said the playing group is confident and when you get out onto the field every player will be on their game so I have to make sure I am as well.
“We will let the football do the talking against City and we will go into the game to win, no matter what.”
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.
