Adelaide v WSW: What the Opposition Says

We lift the lid on the opposition camp to find out exactly what Adelaide United are talking about before Friday night’s encounter.

Our round-up starts with Wanderers’ foundation player Tarek Elrich who has warned against complacency when the Wanderers visit on Friday.
 
“It’s never easy playing against the Asian Champions League winners,” said Elrich.
 
“They’re going to be dangerous, they’re playing after a loss and there’s a lot of pressure on them.
 
“I can guarantee like any other team, they’re going to come out firing but we’re a quality team and when our game’s on I don’t think anyone can beat us.”
 
Elrich, who missed the Reds’ 0-0 draw with Melbourne Victory in Round 1 through international duty, says he is determined to return to the starting line-up in order get one over his former employers.
 
New Reds boss Guillermo Amor was similarly cautious of a wounded Wanderers side when he fronted the media on Thursday.
“The whole team is expecting a difficult game. They’ll be looking to win after losing last week,” said Amor.
 
“They have a very good team and have made some good signings.
 
“They’ve brought in a lot of new players and it will be difficult for them at the start – it takes time.”

 
With the Reds set to lose captain Eugene Galekovic for over a month, Amor has praised stand-in goalkeeper John Hall before Friday’s clash.
 
“We’re confident in him.
 
“John is hungry and played a great game against Victory last week. I’m sure he will do this this week too. It’s important as a young player to play consistently and get the minutes.”
 
Meanwhile, Adelaide forward Pablo Sanchez has praised the contingent of Spanish players the Wanderers have brought in in the off-season, saying that the arrival of the likes of Dimas, Andreu and Alberto underline the strength of the Hyundai A-League.
 
“I have played against some of them, they are good players: you must be if you have been brought to the A-League,” said Sanchez.
 
“I spoke with one of the players before he came and I told him how much I am enjoying playing here.
 
“I told him he’s going to a good team, but Adelaide is better.”

 
Finally, after the decision to continue holding matches at Adelaide Oval was met with derision by a large number of the Reds faithful, both players and fans are relishing a return to Coopers Stadium.
 
“Many Adelaide United fans reacted with venom to the club hosting its match at Adelaide Oval.
 
“The club’s official Facebook page was hammered by a plethora of angry fans who pleaded for the club never to play a Reds match at Adelaide Oval again.” –  The Advertiser

 
It’s a stadium that the Wanderers have picked up just three points from their last 15, and Adelaide are looking to extend this run with a win tomorrow.