On Sunday afternoon the Adelaide United Youth Team will travel to take on Melbourne Victory Youth Team for a battle for fifth in Round 18 of the Foxtel National Youth League.
After three games in just the past week, and three more games within eight days of each other following, Michael Valkanis has highlighted how important recovery has been to the young side throughout the week.
“Recovery, we’ve been playing games, mid-week games, and it’s tough because we’ve only got 28 outfield players to draw from.
“It’s not that easy to rotate and there’s so many games going on in one week, (but) we’re trying to get through it.”
Like he has all season, the Reds coach stressed that he rates the players and team based off of their performance as a whole, rather than the result.
And even though the results haven’t quite gone the Reds way recently in the NYL, with three straight losses, he believes the boys aren’t too concerned.
“It’s not so much about the results. It’s more about the way we play, our style of play and we’ve said that week in week out.
“We look at it from a youth development point of view. We are very happy with the way they went about it (their game), so lift their spirits, I don’t think we need too because we played well there (and) well mid-week against the local league.
And this week’s game will be a perfect place to display the Catalonian style football and get the result they deserve.
The game being played at AAMI Park will be held prior to the Melbourne Victory senior game against the Wellington Phoenix.
“Look I think that lifts their (the players) spirits and gives them the opportunity to play as a curtain raiser to Melbourne Victory and Wellington, said the Youth Coach.
“That’s exciting for the young boys, I remember the Youth League used to be like that.
“I think it does bring the best out of playing in front of a bit of a crowd and playing on a beautiful ground like that, so I’m sure they’ll be looking forward to it.
Adelaide United Youth Team travels to take on Melbourne Victory Youth Team on Sunday afternoon at AAMI Park, Melbourne. Kick-off 1:00pm ACDT.
