Central Coast coach Phil Moss believes his side’s finals experience will be a huge factor in Saturday’s Elimination Final against Adelaide United.
Central Coast coach Phil Moss believes his side’s finals experience will be a huge factor in Saturday’s Elimination Final against Adelaide United.
The Mariners locked in a third place finish with their brilliant 2-0 win over Brisbane and have been rewarded with a home final against the Reds this weekend.
Despite the heart-breaking loss midweek in the ACL, the defending Hyundai A-League champions appear to be peaking at just the right time and have nine players in the squad who were a big part of last season’s title success.
“We’re really looking forward to playing Adelaide,” Moss told www.footballaustralia.com.au.
“They put a couple of results on us down there in Adelaide but they haven’t got the best record at Central Coast Stadium and we certainly play our best football there.
“We’ll be well up for this game. We know it’s time to stand up. It’s a new competition now.
“The last home and away game against Brisbane has put us in a great frame of mind for what’s ahead.
“Even though there’s been a lot of changes at the club this season we’ve got enough finals experience within the squad to know what’s ahead and I think that will stand us in good stead as well.”
With Korean import Kim Seung-Yong over his hamstring injury, Moss said he expects to have a full squad to choose from in what shapes as a huge week for the club.
A win over the Koreans on Wednesday would all but assure progression to the knockout stage of the ACL while if they can see off Adelaide it will book a clash against Western Sydney in a grand final qualifier.
“Given what’s gone on this season I think top six was a realistic goal and even though we were written off and no one expected us to make the top six we’re in third spot and after four ACL games we’re top of the group,” Moss said.
“We’ve got the depth and the quality to make sure we get a result at home on Wednesday and then back up on Saturday.
“I think both competitions have given us huge confidence and being able to match it with the best and in our home games being able to beat the best teams in Asia has stood us in great stead for A-League.
“That belief and confidence shone through (against Roar). What (the ACL) has done for us is make us tactically adaptable as well.
“I thought we really put our best foot forward (against Roar) at a perfect time heading into the finals.”
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Hyundai A-League 2014 Elimination Final 1
Central Coast Mariners (3) v Adelaide United (6)
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 4.30pm local (4:30pm AEST)
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #ALeagueFinals
To purchase tickets visit www.aleague.com.au/tickets
