Adelaide United midfielder Stefan Mauk has trained with his new teammates for the first time following his move from Melbourne City, declaring he wants to make an immediate contribution to the Reds’ recent revival.
Mauk made a light return to the training field on Wednesday after recently returning from international duty with the Olyroos, which competed in the AFC U-23 Championships in Doha.
And with Mauk commencing his new journey in his home-state of South Australia, following a five year absence through his involvement with the Australian Institute of Sport and Melbourne City, the 20-year-old was unable to hold back his excitement at finally returning home to Adelaide.
GALLERY: Mauk’s journey home to Adelaide
“It’s an exciting challenge for me and it will be great to be able to represent my home-town team,” Mauk said. “The team’s recent form has probably been the best in the competition and there are a lot of opportunities being presented to us.
“It was good to finally come out to training and have my first session with the boys after a long trip from Melbourne, and it’s definitely good to be back in Adelaide.”
.@StefanMauk: We have a very good squad and I’m looking forward to playing with all my new teammates #AUFC
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) January 27, 2016
Having already featured 12 times in the Hyundai A-League this season, scoring four goals in the process, Mauk says he’s joined the Reds with the full intention of making his own mark on the Club and doing whatever necessary to help the squad.
“Speaking to Guillermo (Amor), the way the team aims to play football is a good style that suits the way that I like to play,” he continued.
“You always want to be a part of a team that is attacking and being an attacking midfielder, I like to get forward as much as possible, whether that’s scoring goals or helping in the build up play.
“Watching the boys, the way they’ve been pressing from the front has created a lot of goals and hopefully I can help the team with more of that.
“This is a great club to come to and United have had a few players in the past that have developed really well here.
“Everybody that I’ve spoken to has said this is a great club to come and make my mark. I had a good few years at City, but hopefully I can do the same, if not more, here at United.”
Mauk is in-line to potentially make his debut for the Reds this Sunday when United hosts the Newcastle Jets at Coopers Stadium in Round 17.
Adelaide United will face Newcastle Jets in Round 17 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Sunday, 31 January at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACDT.
