The message from the Adelaide United squad ahead of their match with Central Coast tomorrow is simple, Guillermo Amor and Craig Goodwin stating another win over the Mariners is all that matters.
Following Western Sydney Wanderers’ loss to Melbourne Victory on Friday night, the Hyundai A-League could very well have another league leader by the end of Round 25. And if it is to be the Reds, they’ll be needing to take all three points when they host Central Coast Mariners on Sunday afternoon.
So far this season, United and the Mariners have met twice, the Reds coming away unscathed, claiming all six points that have been on offer.
But despite currently sitting at the foot of the table, and United in contention for the Premiers’ Plate, Adelaide Head Coach, Guillermo Amor, is adamant Central Coast can test his side, especially if the Reds aren’t focused on the task at hand.
“This game can be difficult, depending on our football and our mentality,” Amor said. “Central Coast might be last on the table, but if we are not concentrated from the first minutes until the last, we can have problems.
“We respect Central Coast even though they’re at the bottom of the table because they have good players, especially in attack.
“We won’t look at the table and only think about winning this game.”
The Reds will also be in-line to welcome back three important players tomorrow, with Jordan Elsey serving his one-match suspension last week, and Marcelo Carrusca and Pablo Sánchez overcoming injuries.
Overall Amor declared his side to be in good condition, yet stressed the importance of completing a hat-trick of wins over the Mariners on Sunday, as it will set up a very interesting run in to the Finals.
“We have some players who have recovered (from injury) and the team is looking good for tomorrow.
“We go into the game to get the three points and it’s a good opportunity for us. We have three games (until) the Finals and it’s our last game at home with our supporters.
“The three points are very important for us. We need to win; we have to win; we must win.”
Amor’s dynamic winger, Craig Goodwin echoed his boss’ thoughts, claiming that, from a player’s perspective, the team are fully aware of the magnitude of the match and will do whatever is needed to keep United in the hunt for the Premiers’ Plate.
“We all know what’s at stake,” Goodwin said. “We want to win the Premiers’ Plate, we want to be first past the post, and to do that we have to concentrate.
“In training we’ve been focusing on that and we’ve been very switched on. Not we need to bring that into the game against Central Coast and then in the last two games too.
“I’m going to do whatever I can for the team, wherever (Guillermo) puts me.
“This is a very important game for us and we have to win it.”
Adelaide United will face Central Coast Mariners in Round 25 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Sunday, 27 March at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACDT.
