A-League
Adelaide United’s Carl Veart on Tactical Growth and Isaís
Reds’ Positive Season Start Draws Quiet Confidence
Adelaide United head coach Carl Veart addressed the media at Coopers Stadium on the eve of the Reds’ pivotal A-League Men (ALM) fixture against Perth Glory. Speaking on the team’s steady ascent, Veart reflected on their promising form, areas of growth, and the vital role substitutes have played this season. The looming prospect of topping the league table added an extra layer of motivation for Friday night’s showdown.
Early Season Success and Defensive Adjustments
“It’s still early days, but we’re very happy,” Veart remarked, emphasizing incremental progress. “Each week, our performances have improved. We’re looking for another improvement tomorrow night.”
Despite a strong start, Veart acknowledged defensive vulnerabilities. “We’re still conceding too many goals, so we need to fix that defensively. Transition moments have cost us, and it’s something we’ve been working on all preseason. We’ll keep focusing on getting it right.”
Flying Under the Radar
Adelaide’s understated rise has garnered limited recognition, a point Veart addressed with measured resolve. “I think we’re definitely flying under the radar,” he said. “A lot of people haven’t given us the credit we deserve, saying we’ve had an easy draw. But we’re happy with our performances and the improvement we’re seeing every week.”
Reflecting on their recent outing, Veart added, “Last week, we weren’t at the level we wanted in the first half, but the group stepped up in the second half. That’s the expectation we have for tomorrow—from the first whistle.”
Path to the Top of the Table
Victory against Perth Glory could see Adelaide United claim the top spot in the ALM standings, but Veart downplayed the external implications. “We have our own metrics for success,” he explained. “We’ll judge ourselves by those metrics, but of course, we’ll be aiming for three points.”
Depth and Substitutes Shine
One standout feature of the Reds’ campaign has been the impactful contributions of substitutes. “You need the whole squad to contribute if you want success,” Veart stressed. “Every time we’ve called on a player from the bench, they’ve delivered, which is a credit to the group.”
Anticipating Perth Glory’s Challenge
Adelaide faces a motivated Perth Glory side, a situation Veart likened to last week’s encounter with Brisbane Roar. “We knew Brisbane would come out desperate, and we expect the same from Perth. This game won’t be decided by tactics; it’ll come down to which team works harder. We’ll need to put in the effort to secure the points,” he said.
Isaís: A Milestone for a Club Legend
As Isaís prepares to become the ALM’s most-capped foreign player, Veart lauded the veteran midfielder’s enduring quality and influence. “Isa has been fantastic. I’ve said it before—he’s the best player to ever represent this club,” Veart declared. “This season, he’s been exceptional, both in defense and midfield. He pushes everyone on the training pitch, and as long as I’m here, he’ll always be available to play.”
Adelaide United vs Perth Glory: What to Expect
With the stakes high and the season in full swing, Adelaide United’s clash with Perth Glory promises intensity, grit, and an opportunity to solidify their status as league contenders.
