Adelaide United Head Coach Airton Andrioli says the Reds must quickly turn the page on last weekend’s win in Sydney and refocus ahead of Friday night’s clash with Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium.
Andrioli believes confidence is growing within the group, but stressed the importance of mindset and consistency in a league where results can swing week to week.
Airton on the importance of last weekend’s win
“It was a very good result. Really happy to go to Sydney and get the points. Not an easy place to go and play. But that’s all behind us now. We’re happy to get a result, it helps us in the journey where we want to be, but now we need to refocus and make sure that we are ready for the game tomorrow night.”
Airton on confidence after a big away result
“Winning games, winning matches, build confidence. You can say a lot about things — the way you play, the players you have — but confidence plays a big part. Winning matches like that will give us confidence. Now we need to be able to take that into the next game.”
Airton on backing the group to step up without Goodwin
“We believe in the players that we have. We talk often about how strong we have to be collectively, and having players in the squad willing to step up and take opportunities. In football the landscape changes consistently and injuries can happen. It’s disappointing not to have Goody in these games, but the other players are stepping in and taking the opportunity, and that’s what we want from them.”
Airton on Perth Glory and the importance of staying consistent
“I think the league has been a little bit up and down. All the teams and results have been inconsistent. We spoke a lot about consistency for us — having the mindset to be ready. The result was important last week, but you’re only as good as your last match, and we’ve got a game tomorrow. We respect every opposition. Any day anyone can beat anyone. We just want to make sure we’re ready and we don’t let another opportunity slip away from us.”
Airton on approaching the match and avoiding ‘favourites’ talk
“The competition is so close, I don’t think we’re going in as favourites. It’s an equal game with 11 players on the other side. They’re a good team as well. They got some good results away from home. As I said, are you prepared? You can make the game easier or more difficult for you if your mindset is good and if we do what we do well. I think we got a chance against anyone we play.”
Airton on young players handling pressure and expectations
“I’ve seen a lot of young players coming through the system here and we always have a lot of hopes. Sometimes a player comes into the scene early and you think, ‘Wow’. But it’s about your journey and how you navigate the ups and downs. Young players need to understand that as soon as you start doing well, pressure comes with that. Expectations go up, and how you deal with that is going to be the deal-breaker for your future.”
Airton on potential changes for Friday night
“We’re not looking to make many changes. We have a consolidated squad playing this weekend. We had a look this morning at training, working a few final things, but it’s good to have the same players available. We should have a strong squad for tomorrow.”
Airton on Goodwin’s role around the group while injured
“He’s been coming to training during the week. He put his hand up and wants to be close to the playing group and offer support, using his experience. We have a group of young players, so he’s offering that support, talking to players individually and collectively. He’s not on the pitch, but he’s with us every day, which is very good for us.”
Airton on building consistency with a young squad
“We didn’t have those players last week and we had a very mature performance. Confidence is very important. You need a strong mindset and be prepared to do the things you need to do when things are not going well, when nobody’s watching. It’s easy when the cameras are up and everyone is talking about you, but if you’re prepared to do the little things consistently well, in the long term you reap the dividends. It’s about that mindset.”