Adelaide United playmaker Marcelo Carrusca expects the team that controls the centre of the park in Sunday’s Grand Final will ultimately end up lifting the trophy at Adelaide Oval.
The Argentine midfielder conceded that his side is in for a difficult game on the weekend after the Reds drew all three of their games against the Wanderers this season.
“It’s going to be hard because we know they play really well in the middle and have good individual players, so we have to be focused and create and take our chances during the game,” Carrusca told reporters at the Reds’ open training session on Thursday.
“The surface is different for both teams and the way it is (slightly harder), and so the ball will move a bit faster which may be an advantage for both teams.
“But the message has been the same every week and we’ve reached the final in this way, and we must do it for everyone.”
Carrusca was also full of praise for the support shown by the fans after a rough start to the season that saw the club winless and botttom of the table after eight rounds.
“It’s always good that the fans follow us, particularly during our tough start, and with the support we reached the final and now we need everybody for the last game.
“There was a great turn out today at training and I hope they can all come with us to the stadium, too.
“I don’t remember the last time I played in front of such a big crowd… maybe the All-Star game, and this is the best feeling for us and the stage is set for an amazing final.”
Carrusca confessed that it would most likely be hard to relax come Saturday night, stating that stress levels, “vary from player to player,” but each of his teammates would be ready come Sunday.
Both the Reds and the Wanderers boast a wealth of strength and experience, and should the match require extra time to separate them, Carrusca was reassuring in his squad’s approach.
“Both Bruce and I are the penalty takers so we’ll see who’s more confident if need be during the game, and afterwards,” he said, jumping at the question.
“We need to play the 90 minutes first and after we see what happens after that… it’s an unbelievable feeling to be there on Sunday and we are preparing as best as possible to win the game.”
Adelaide United will face Western Sydney Wanderers in the 2016 Hyundai A-League Grand Final on Sunday, 1 May at Adelaide Oval. Kick-off is at 3.30pm ACST.
