With Adelaide United set for their first double header of the season at Coopers Stadium, A-League Women’s Head Coach Theo Tsiounis says the squad is refreshed, motivated, and ready to resume their campaign following an early extended mid-season break.
The Reds host Brisbane Roar on Sunday 7 December, with the ALW kicking off at 4:20pm ACDT before the ALM team faces Brisbane at 7:05pm ACDT.
Tsiounis on navigating the mid-season break
“Yeah, look, it’s a bit different. Ideally, we’d continue the momentum we had, but it’s been an opportunity to work on our game model and introduce some new concepts. It is what it is, but the girls are in a really positive space.”
Tsiounis on keeping the squad active
“We’ve had an internal trial, and we’ve mixed training up with different sports. It’s been good. The girls are in a great headspace, and we’re looking forward to bringing that into the game on Sunday.”
Tsiounis on injury updates
“Lara [Gooch] and Katie [Bowler] are doing really well. They’re modified at the moment, but not far away from being available. Very close to having a full squad. Dylan unfortunately has a minimal fracture from the Canberra game, so she’ll be a few weeks away.”
Tsiounis on coaching at Coopers Stadium in a double header
“Amazing opportunity. It’s a fantastic stadium, and when the supporters make noise, it lifts the place. Having both the men and women play on the same day is great for the club. Hopefully everyone comes down – it will be a fantastic day of football.”
Tsiounis on what to expect from Brisbane Roar
“They’ve had a solid start with a couple of wins and they’ve kept most of their squad together. Like any opponent, they’ll be a challenge, but there are opportunities too. The focus remains on our game model – that won’t change.”
Tsiounis on assessing the first block of games
“There have been some really positive signs. We’ve learned a lot, and we’re seeing clear pictures of the identity we want. We’ve challenged the group to extend those passages of play. We’re progressing nicely with a strong foundation in place, and now it’s about delivering a consistent game every weekend.”
Tsiounis on the Matildas’ match in Adelaide
“It was fantastic. All our girls went to watch. They aspire to be future Matildas, so it was a great chance to see the level required. For the state and the sport, it was excellent — more opportunities like that would be great.”
Adelaide United vs Brisbane Roar
ALW – 4.20pm
ALM – 7.05pm
Coopers Stadium
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