James Troisi says making Coopers Stadium a tough place for opposing teams will be crucial to Adelaide United’s success in the Hyundai A-League.
The 31-year-old is expected to make his home debut for the Reds against Brisbane Roar in the Remembrance Round after joining the Club in early October.
“It’s exciting obviously for myself, my family, there’s obviously going to be a lot of people supporting me,” Troisi told reporters at a press conference.
“And playing at Coopers is a great little boutique stadium, so I always love playing whether it’s against Adelaide. Obviously now it’s with Adelaide so it’s a fantastic stadium and environment and atmosphere.
“When we’re at home we want to try and make that a mini fortress and try and win as many games at home as we can.”
AUFC Legends vs Australian Defence Force Men's Open Team kick-off at 2:45pm this Sunday. Gates open at 2:30pm.#AUFC #RemembranceRound #MoreThanFootballhttps://t.co/k5KcBWrpF7
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 7, 2019
Troisi anticipated Brisbane, who are now coached by Robbie Fowler, to be a strong side despite a winless start to the campaign.
He revealed he crossed paths with the Liverpool legend in an English Premier League Reserves match when Troisi was with the Newcastle United and even managed to get his jersey.
“I actually played against him when he might have been coming back from injury, I played against him in a reserve game at Newcastle,” he recalled.
“I don’t think he remembers that but I actually have his top so I should get it signed.
“Obviously he’s a world class player, he wants to apply his trade as a coach and Brisbane have changed a lot.
“I guess they haven’t had the best start to the season but they’re always a dangerous side, and they work hard and they’ve got some good players.”
#AUFC Legends vs Australian Defence Force kick-off 2:45pm.#ADLvBRI kick-off 5:30pm.
Gates open 2:30pm.#RemembranceRoundhttps://t.co/KK7CyYTAsU— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 7, 2019
The former Atalanta man deputised for his hometown Club against Newcastle Jets in that 2-1 victory a fortnight ago, and assisted Riley McGree’s equalising goal.
Troisi operated in a slightly more withdrawn role, collecting the ball on the half-turn from deeper positions before orchestrating attacking plays.
He said he does not matter where exactly he plays as long as he is contributing to the team’s success, which is indicative of his adaptability.
“I’m a little bit lucky that I’m a bit more versatile,” he explained.
“I generally like to play in more of a central position, so whether that’s a ten, eight or a six you’re still central.
“So ultimately, I’ve to do what I can for the team and I had a chat before I signed with the gaffer (Gertjan Verbeek) and (Director of Football) Bruce (Djite), and he obviously explained a few things and I was quite positive and happy and playing the way he wants me to play.
“It’s not an issue for me and sometimes when you’re playing more of a deeper role you can get the ball a little more.
“I was still creating a lot (against Newcastle) which is important and so far I’m happy with the way things are going.”
Adelaide United host Brisbane Roar in Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Sunday, 10 November at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.30pm ACDT. Gates open at 2.30pm for curtain raiser between AUFC Legends and ADF. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
