ADELAIDE United and Socceroos keeper Eugene Galekovic is ready for the challenge that awaits the Reds at Central Coast Mariners and believes there are no excuses for failure should they fail to clinch top spot on Sunday.
As well as the A-League, the Reds have competed in the AFC Champions League Finals and FIFA Club World Cup this season, which has equated to the squad playing nine more games than the other A-League clubs.
Add to that the overseas travel, and a five game stretch in 15 days throughout January for catch up domestic fixtures, and the issue has been raised of whether fatigue is going to catch up with United’s playing group.
However Galekovic, who was recently called up for the Socceroos’ AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualifier against Indonesia in Jakarta on Wednesday, says there is no reason for United not to be at their best at Bluetongue Stadium for the crucial contest.
He said: “We’ve had the week off so I don’t think there is any excuse. I think at times during the season it was tough with all the travelling and the games, but now the boys are fresh and we’ve only got the A-League to worry about so there are no more excuses."
Arguably one of Adelaide’s finest signings of the past two years, the former Melbourne Victory stopper has had another terrific season with the gloves, a groin injury during the AFC Champions League Finals seemingly the only hurdle to halt his progression.
While he can boast eight clean sheets this season, six of the 15 goals Galekovic has conceded have been against the Mariners and this is something he is keen to make amends for in the final round of the season.
He said: “They (Central Coast) are always hard to play against. They put a lot of pressure on the ball so it will make for an interesting contest.
“If you want to finish top you have to win the hard games and you’ve got to do that (to be successful) in the finals so why not start in Round 21.”
Galekovic is up against Central Coast counterpart Danny Vukovic and Melbourne Victory keeper Michael Theoklitos for the number one spot in the national team’s game against Indonesia, and while there are suggestions Galekovic is the favourite to get the nod, he says there is no guarantee and that he will need to continue to perform.
“I’ve got to fight for my spot just like the other two and there are three good keepers so it’s anyone’s to grab,” the 26 year old said.
Add to that the overseas travel, and a five game stretch in 15 days throughout January for catch up domestic fixtures, and the issue has been raised of whether fatigue is going to catch up with United’s playing group.
However Galekovic, who was recently called up for the Socceroos’ AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualifier against Indonesia in Jakarta on Wednesday, says there is no reason for United not to be at their best at Bluetongue Stadium for the crucial contest.
He said: “We’ve had the week off so I don’t think there is any excuse. I think at times during the season it was tough with all the travelling and the games, but now the boys are fresh and we’ve only got the A-League to worry about so there are no more excuses."
Arguably one of Adelaide’s finest signings of the past two years, the former Melbourne Victory stopper has had another terrific season with the gloves, a groin injury during the AFC Champions League Finals seemingly the only hurdle to halt his progression.
While he can boast eight clean sheets this season, six of the 15 goals Galekovic has conceded have been against the Mariners and this is something he is keen to make amends for in the final round of the season.
He said: “They (Central Coast) are always hard to play against. They put a lot of pressure on the ball so it will make for an interesting contest.
“If you want to finish top you have to win the hard games and you’ve got to do that (to be successful) in the finals so why not start in Round 21.”
Galekovic is up against Central Coast counterpart Danny Vukovic and Melbourne Victory keeper Michael Theoklitos for the number one spot in the national team’s game against Indonesia, and while there are suggestions Galekovic is the favourite to get the nod, he says there is no guarantee and that he will need to continue to perform.
“I’ve got to fight for my spot just like the other two and there are three good keepers so it’s anyone’s to grab,” the 26 year old said.
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