REDSelona: Is this the A-League’s Barca?
What a difference a few months can make. Rewind to the ill-fated end of Adelaide United’s 2012/13 A-League campaign, the club had lost its home final to Brisbane Roar at Hindmarsh Stadium. I remember that match well, I was watching it with my brother in a Brisbane pub and was the only person sporting a Reds shirt. My passion and enthusiasm wasn’t enough to aid the club during that match. Players such as club captain Eugene Galekovic and Cassio were public in their disapproval of the club’s board. There were far more questions being asked then questions being answered.
The club had recently lost John Kosmina after he fell out with the infamous Reds board. He decided to leave and assistant Michael Valkanis took over for the short term. Reds fans like myself were asking whether Adelaide United would ever implement a footballing philosophy which drove success. Could Adelaide United let football people make the footballing decisions?
And here we are. Pre season well and truly under-way for the 2013/14 A-League season, Josep Gombau has taken the reigns of head coach and has begun implementing a ‘Barca’ footballing philosophy. This ‘total football’ or possession based styled has got us Reds fans excited. For a club that has cried out for vision and a long term footballing philosophy, I am thoroughly excited for the prospect of seeing Adelaide United play in the 2013/14 A-League season. From all reports, things are going well, players are learning through each training session were to be; where to pass and how to retain the football.
But most importantly there seems to be harmony between the players and the football club. I don’t want to speak too soon, although Josep Gombau seems to have gotten players such as Dario Vidosic and Marcelo Carrusca playing a style of football that they will flourish from. It’s certainly too early to confirm whether the club will adjust quickly and have every player adapted in time for round one. Pre-season results thus far have indicated the growth in young players, including Paul Izzo, Jordan Elsey and Awer Mabil. These are great signs for Reds fans, showing they have grown as footballers.
Although, a question remains: Can Adelaide United produce some REDSelona football to light up the A-League? I for one, remain positive. Implementing a footballing philosophy takes time but time is on our side. If Josep can thoroughly educate each player how to play and when to play, I have no doubts the A-League season ahead can be our best yet. It is a very big year for the club.
Ten years since A-League inception and what better way to celebrate this anniversary than with success.
COME ON YOU REDS!
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As a Reds this is a great article
I hope that Adelaide United can produce some RedSelona and I can’t wait for the season to start.
We have had a great pre season but those results don’t count against local sides.
COME ON YOU REDS
UNITED FOR TEN TOGETHER AS ONE
Thanks Marty!
COYR
hope they don’t end up as Badelaide