Guillermo Amor and Bruce Djite have said there is no shying away from the importance of tomorrow’s match with Melbourne City, however they’ve denied any suggestion that it will define Adelaide United’s entire campaign.
The Reds are yet to register a win in the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season, succumbing to two draws and two defeats. But neither Head Coach, Guillermo Amor, or striker, Bruce Djite, are concerned with the current position the squad finds itself in, as it is too early for it to be an accurate reflection of how the season will finish.
Speaking on the mood within the team, Amor said the players are as hungry as they have ever been and know it is time for results to start pouring in, starting with this game against Melbourne City.
“This week in training, the team has been more focussed, it has been more intense, and there has been more passion,” Amor explained. “But in general, we are always hungry and I cannot say we’ve ever been otherwise.
“We want to have a good game tomorrow, creating strong chances, and playing our football amongst an electric atmosphere.
“I have confidence in my team and we (recognise) how important this game is for us because it’s four games without a win. We won’t forget that there are still a lot of games to play, but it’s our moment and a victory is necessary for us.
“Here in the A-League, it’s always the same (situation). Every team is similar and plays well, which makes it difficult and we know it won’t be an easy game.
“City lost last week at home after leading 2-0 at half-time and they will want to come back from that quickly.”
An obvious worry to the team has been the lack of goals that have been scored in the four domestic games that have been played, but it’s not of major concern to the team. Against City in particular, United have scored in 14 of the 15 matches played against them, the games in general averaging an astonishing 4.33 goals per game. Moreover, Adelaide has only suffered one home defeat against the Victorian side, a 2-1 loss coming in the 2010/11 season.
The Reds will also welcome back Djite for the second consecutive match, after the forward missed the opening three rounds with a groin injury with his energy and determination potentially being the catalyst for a goal-fest at Coopers.
But Djite says he and his attacking counterparts are not feeling additional pressure in light of some of their recent struggles, noting persistence, hard work, and utilising the team’s experience as being fundamental to the side being successful.
“To be honest, we’re not feeling a heap of added pressure because we know our abilities and are confident in that,” Djite said.
“If you look at last season, I think we were the second highest goal scoring team in the competition and our personnel hasn’t changed much so our players have the same qualities that served us so well previously.
“There’s no denying the tough patch we’ve faced lately, but, like we’ve been saying in the change room, it’s only Round 5 and there’s more than enough time to turn it around.
“Guillermo said it, we recognise the importance of this game. It’s like a final and could shape some of our season, but it isn’t going to define it. Winning the game doesn’t mean we’ll win the league; losing it doesn’t mean we’ll finish last either.
“Our players are experienced and have dealt with situations a thousand times worse than what we’re facing right now. They’ve played in big games and through tough times and this has helped them adapt to many difficult situations.
“We have been putting in the effort and the time to rectify the things we’ve been lacking and we’re going to turn this around.”
Adelaide United will face Melbourne City in Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Thursday, 5 November, 2015, at Coopers Stadium. Kick off is at 7.30pm ACDT.
