Three days out from Saturday’s Preliminary Final against the Queensland Roar, Adelaide United Vice-Captain Lucas Pantelis says team morale is at a high.
The Reds held a highly spirited training session at Hindmarsh Stadium on Wednesday morning and Pantelis says the squad is confident it can right the wrongs of the two Semi-Final performances against Melbourne Victory.
“Yesterday and today were really positive sessions and the morale of the boys has been great,” Pantelis said.
“It has been a tough week but that’s all in the past and we’re focusing on Saturday’s game.”
A lot has been made of United’s impressive year in the A-League, AFC Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup but Pantelis knows it will all count for little if the Reds fall at Saturday’s hurdle and fail to qualify for the Grand Final and miss out on getting into the prestigious 2010 AFC Champions League.
“It’s a huge game for us and for the club and hopefully we can get a good win not only for us but for our fans,” Pantelis said.
“I think the most important thing is that the players believe we can do it. This week has been a great week so far in all that’s happened so time will tell and come Saturday night we’ll know the answer.”
The 26 year old believes the way the squad has come together following the attention surrounding Coach Aurelio Vidmar’s outburst on the weekend is an ominous sign for the Roar heading into Saturday’s game.
“I think it has brought us closer together so that is a dangerous thing for the opposition,”
Pantelis is keen not to let this opportunity slip after he missed The Reds’ 2006-07 finals campaign with a knee reconstruction.
