Cristiano and Reds motivated to make amends
Adelaide United FC striker Cristiano says the squad is completely unified, positive and highly motivated to win Saturday’s Preliminary Final against the Queensland Roar and claim the Hyundai A-League prize that has eluded the club.
The Brazilian, who came to Adelaide in 2008 after a successful decade playing in Holland, believes United has what it takes to get past Queensland and then Melbourne despite the two poor results of the Major Semi Final and club-s highly publicised record in finals.
Cristiano is determined not to see United go out of the finals in straight sets, and after being part of what was a visibly reinvigorated playing group at training this morning, says The Reds will be ready to take it up to the Roar on Saturday.
“Everyone is motivated. I came from Holland to win the prize, not to be second or third,” Cristiano said.
“Today everybody was motivated to train and everyone feels very well and is just focused on the game on Saturday.”
Despite Adelaide failing to find the back of the net in the two Semi Final legs against Melbourne Victory, Cristiano says it will be imperative that the home side makes its opportunities count against a Queensland squad that has proven firepower up front and a resolute defence at the back.
With the Queenslanders in a rich vein of room having won their past four and losing just once in their past 12 matches, United-s leading scorer this season (8 goals) admits The Reds will need to play smart to overcome Frank Farina-s men.
“They (Queensland) have a very good team and play very well. I think we have to be patient and not try to score in the first minute because if you go with everyone forward trying to score you can concede goals,” Cristiano said.
“But when we have an opportunity to score, we have to score.”
Addressing the media after the squad-s training session at Hindmarsh Stadium this morning, Cristiano also dismissed any rumours that he was contemplating leaving the club at the end of the season despite having another year to run on his contract. The 27 year old pledged his desire to stay in Adelaide and continue helping the team by doing what he does best - score goals.
“No it-s not true. I am very happy at this club and my family is very happy here in Adelaide,” Cristiano stated.
“There-s no reason to leave the club, I like everyone here and last week there were a lot of things in newspapers saying I was going to leave the club but it-s not true.
For sure I will be here next year. I have one more year of my contract and if there is a possibility to stay longer, I stay longer but I have another year and I-m very happy here.”
Even with his 8 goals this season, Cristiano is yet to score against the Roar or Melbourne in the Hyundai A-League, and he would dearly like to change that in the next fortnight as The Reds prepare to hit the remainder of their finals campaign with a full head of steam.
Saturday night-s Preliminary Final at Hindmarsh Stadium kicks off at 6.30pm (ACDT) with the National Youth League Grand Final between Adelaide United and Sydney FC starting at 2.30pm.
Tickets go on sale to the general public from 9am tomorrow and will be available through VenueTix.