Michael Jakobsen says Adelaide United must improve if the reigning champions are to win the FFA Cup for a third time.
The Reds came from behind to beat 10-man Central Coast Mariners 2-1 in Wednedsay’s Semi Final and book their fourth Final appearance.
Adelaide trailed via Jack Clisby’s 63rd minute opener but rallied through goals from George Blackwood and Riley McGree after Mariners skipper Matt Simon was sent off midway through the second half.
Gertjan Verbeek’s side now face Melbourne City in the Final on Wednesday, 23 October at Coopers Stadium, but Adelaide skipper Jakobsen believes the Reds will need to lift their intensity to match their Hyundai A-League rivals.
“They made it hard for us to be honest,” Jakobsen told FOX Sports post-match.
“They put us under pressure. It was like when we got behind we started playing and that’s the intensity we need to have at the beginning.
HIGHLIGHTS: Central Coast Mariners 1-2 Adelaide United
REPORT: McGree breaks Mariners hearts to put Adelaide in fourth Final
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“If we perform like this against Melbourne, we’re going to struggle.”
Adelaide – who won the inaugural tournament in 2014 and beat Sydney FC in the Final last year – have now made four out of a possible six Finals.
“It’s something we aimed for in pre-season and something we’ve looked forward to every week,” Jakobsen said. To go into a another final is perfect.
“Last year with Adelaide was an amazing atmosphere at home. If we can do it again that would be amazing.”
SEMI FINAL REPORT: Maclaren double helps City to Final
HIGHLIGHTS: Brisbane Strikers 1-5 Melbourne City
