The importance surrounding Adelaide United’s final match of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season is as high as ever, say Guilllermo Amor and Marcelo Carrusca.
Heading into the final match of the 2015/16 season, Adelaide United are still in with a chance to claim the Premiers’ Plate – reward for a stellar second half of the season especially.
Three points against their Round 27 opponents, Melbourne City, won’t put the plate into the palms of the Reds, but it will vastly improve their chances. To clinch the Premiership, United are reliant on Brisbane Roar dropping points against Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.
And Adelaide Head Coach, Guillermo Amor, is aware just how significant his team’s clash is with City, saying he has trained his side in preparation of what’s going to be a very close encounter at AAMI Park.
“It has been a short week since our last game (against Sydney FC on Saturday),” Amor said.
“The first day back at training we did some recovery, but then we were straight into preparation for the game tomorrow night.
“We have worked on some tactics and we have watched (footage) of them playing to prepare as best we can.
“Our group has done well this week and in these moments before the game we are looking very strong.
“The game will be equal and tough, but they have some more pressure than us. But our situations are similar and both teams need to win.
“We are confident and we know how important this match is.”
The last time the two sides faced was just three matches ago, a fixture that saw the Victorian outfit run away with a narrow 1-0 win at Coopers Stadium. But going into this game, the Reds are in better form, having dismantled Sydney FC 2-0 last week, whilst City were beaten 3-2 by Perth Glory.
However, Marcelo Carrusca has declared the match to be Finals-like, saying he and his teammates must be at their best to secure the three points they so desperately desire.
“We’ve prepared all season for this kind of game and to be at the top,” Carrusca explained. “It’s like another final for us, and we’re going to play like this.
“We know the kind of players that Melbourne have and they have good players up front, but we need to be focused on us and stay concentrated on our football.
“In one second, City can damage us, so we have to stay (switched on).
“City play similar to us and are a very attacking team, which, I think, will make for a very open game that either side can win.
“They have more pressure on them than us, but we’re not thinking about this type of thing.
“We’re thinking about going there and playing a good game and winning.”
Adelaide United will face Melbourne City in Round 27 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Friday, 8 April at AAMI Park. Kick-off is at 7.10pm ACST.
