Adelaide United defender Cameron Watson said there can be no excuses for a poor performance despite the chaotic Hyundai A-League schedule.
Adelaide United defender Cameron Watson said there can be no excuses for a poor performance despite the chaotic Hyundai A-League schedule.
Adelaide, along with the rest of the competition, will play two games this week with the first fixtures to take place on a jam-packed day of football being hyped as “Big Wednesday”.
Each side will then compete once more over the weekend to round out a frenetic 15 games in 11 days.
Speaking ahead of the Reds’ clash with Melbourne Heart, Watson admitted the sweltering conditions in Adelaide combined with two short turnarounds in a week weren’t ideal.
However given the other nine Hyundai A-League teams were in the same predicament the 24-year-old said the Reds had no reason to complain as they attempt to continue their return to form.
“Everyone has to do it, everyone played on the weekend and has three games, so it’s not just us … there’s no excuses,” Watson said.
“We’ve been getting prepared for the big week with three games in seven days, so training hasn’t been super hard.”
“The last couple of days have been 30 to 40 degrees, so the boys have been feeling it but we are doing the right things.”
“Melbourne (Heart) are going to be pumped up and on a roll but everyone is going to go out (and give their all) and if someone pulls a gasket then we have people on the bench who can come on and do a job too.”
Despite both sides set to be tested in the latter part of the game Watson believed the clash would be an entertaining encounter with Melbourne keen to solidify their position on the table and Adelaide hungry to break into the top six in pursuit of finals action.
“If both teams had a week off then you might see a better game come the later stages but they want to continue on a roll and keep that finals spot alive and we want to get into the top six, so it’s going to be a good game,” Watson said.
“They didn’t get off to the best of starts this season but now they have won five in a row and they are confident at the moment.”
“But we’ve been doing well at training, had a draw at Sydney and a win on the weekend (against Wellington Phoenix), so we are up to it as well.”
“We are going to go there full of confidence to get a result.”
Following John Kosmina’s reinstatement as coach after Rini Coolen was asked to step down two weeks ago, the Reds have shown a renewed sense of vigour and confidence having played out a 2-2 draw away to Sydney FC before cruising to a 2-0 victory over Wellington last Friday night.
Watson acknowledged Kosmina’s immediate impact suggesting his “direct” approach to coaching was responsible for the Reds’ positive change.
“He’s a bit more direct and all the boys have lifted their intensity and attitude in the changeroom, and everyone is expecting more from each other,” Watson said.
“Overall it’s a fresh start for everyone and everyone has put their hand up and performed well last week and the week before, and it’s just got to continue throughout the season.”
