As we head towards the business end of the A-League season, the pressure and anticipation mounts. Coaches, players and fans alike are a combination of delirious, exhausted and simple running on the pure petrol of emotion.
For an Adelaide United fan, those three feelings above couldn’t be more of an accurate description. The 2013-2014 season currently sees the Reds sitting in the top six, largely thanks to a resurgence in the last seven weeks.
‘IN JOSEP WE TRUST’ has been chanted and displayed with pride at Coopers Stadium and on the road by the Reds fans. Pundits have quietened down on the criticism of Gombau and his players.
From my personal perspective, I have seen this A-League as a success thus far. Yes anything could change, it is only mid season.
I have grown some grey hairs and had the sudden urge to drive a bus and park it just in front of our back four from time to time. But so far, this season has taught me one important thing: the power of patience.
Personally, I am as patient as a child demanding a lolly in a supermarket. I admit it took me awhile to adjust to the 4-3-3 style under Gombau.
I have adjusted to our game this season and I even think I have grown in patience too! Shock horror! But in all seriousness, Gombau has transformed a side that was notorious for ‘long balls’ and ‘kick and chase’.
United currently sits fifth with 21 points from 16 games. Not fantastic but not alarming. The for and against goal difference has now settled in favour of for; with 24 to 22 goals respectively.
The return of Bruce Djite and impact in midfield from Marcelo Carrusca has aided the Reds’ resurgence. With Fabio Ferreira and Sergio Ciro still missing the starting 11 due to injury, Adelaide United can take pride from their recent form.
The back four has tightened up and naturalised to playing a high line under the system. The next two weeks will be a test, playing Wellington and Sydney away.
The result against the Heart was a slight step back from previous weeks. The addition of Ryan Griffiths to the squad has provided experience and his 90th minute goal was the saviour to an otherwise disappointing result.
Is there more work to be done? Yes of course. Finishing of attacking chances in the front third and defensive errors are still a problem.
Can Adelaide United develop into a threat for the Championship? Maybe. It all depends on the next month.
There is a revolution under way under Josep Gombau at Adelaide United. Whatever may happen at the end of this season, the 2013-2014 A-League will be a green tick in the positive column on and off the pitch for the club.
