“We’re fit for a fight and looking forward to the challenge.”
They were the positive words today from defender Shane Stefanutto as the Roar completed their final training session ahead of tomorrow’s Hyundai A-League Round 21 away match against Adelaide United.
Roar captain Matt McKay earlier this week called on the experienced players in his squad to help get the squad back on track after last week’s loss and Stefanutto has answered the call – leading by example through an intense week of training.
It was disappointing early in the week of course. We took care of that early, we learned our lessons and moved on as quick as we could,” Stefanutto said.
“The reaction on the training field has been spot-on.”
Stefanutto said it was not the club’s way to make an individual the scapegoat when things don’t go right.
“We point the finger at us as a collective,” he said.
“It’s all about improving again and the response to the week has been fantastic.
We were punished for our mistakes, we’ve learned from that we’ve rectified that and now we are ready to go again this week.”
Roar Head Coach John Aloisi was impressed by another strong training session today from his players and again likened the week to the one in January where they Roar bounced back from a 4-1 loss to the Reds to crush Sydney FC 3-1.
“We are not going to let (last week’s heavy loss) derail our season,” he said.
“We know where we have come from and where we are headed and we have planned and trained well for the Adelaide game.
“The training has been outstanding. The intensity is high and the boys are ready to go.
“They all want to play and win. We know that if we do play at our best, we can beat anyone in this competition.”
Over the coming weeks the Roar play all of their fellow table frontrunners. Stefanutto rated the challenges ahead as a terrific time for players and fans.
“We look forward to this time of the year. It gets more serious now. We’re three-quarters through and we are still ok . . . in terms of where we’ve come from and where we are going,” he said.
“March is going to be exciting with so many home games coming up and knowing we are playing some decent opposition.
“The motivation is to still be successful and stay at the top and keep being successful.
“There’s an exciting run in to come and it starts with Adelaide this weekend.”
After the trip to Adelaide, the Roar then faces a Massive March in which they host Western Sydney, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC in addition to an away fixture against Melbourne City.
To book your tickets to the three huge home games in March, including the special three-game pack offer, click here
