Michael Zullo says the Reds are as prepared and ready as they can be ahead of their opening match of the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Season against Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
Michael Zullo admits that while he may be racing to be declared a certain starter, the Reds are as prepared and ready as they can be ahead of their opening match of the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Season against Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
It has been a lengthy build up to Season 9 for all 10 of the clubs, but the wait and anticipation is almost over. After impressive displays in their final two trial matches, Zullo is of the opinion that the Reds are in a position to put all of the hard work from pre season together as the ‘real thing- gets underway this weekend.
“Everyone seems pretty confident with how we-ve been playing,” Zullo said.
“We-ve had some good pre season games in the past few weeks and I think we-re well prepared, so I think everyone is pretty confident.”
The 24 year old left back, who is on loan from Dutch club FC Utrecht, trained away from the main group this morning as he attempts to overcome a minor knee strain he suffered in the pre season win over Melbourne Heart.
The setback was obviously not something Zullo was hoping he would have to contend with leading into Round 1 as he was rested for last week-s game against Melbourne Victory, but he is optimistic he will be deemed fit to make his official Adelaide United debut.
“Obviously I-ve had better preparations for a game and it-s a bit disappointing to pick up a niggly little injury just before the start of the season, but it has been a hard couple of days of training and I think it should be fine for the weekend…we-ll just have to wait and see at the end of the week how it performs,” Zullo said.
“Fingers crossed everything goes well day by day and we-ll assess it as the week goes on.”
Marcelo Carrusca and Sergio Cirio also missed the cash with the Victory but it was purely as a precaution and both are expected to be available.
Results might not be of primary importance in pre season matches as the focus is often said to be more on experimenting and the process, but Zullo is adamant positive the score lines in trial games mean something when the season proper comes around.
“Some people say it means nothing and other people say it is extremely important…of course it matters, you don-t want to go into the season losing four on the trot or anything like that,” Zullo said.
“It-s great for confidence and I think it has definitely contributed to the good feeling around the club.”
