As the temperature in Adelaide soar, the Reds continue to sweat it out in the build up to their major Semi Finals against Victory, which begins with the first leg at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday February 7.

United’s squad was into it from 8am this morning, coach Aurelio Vidmar deciding to try and beat the sweltering conditions in order to ensure his charges are refreshed and revitalised come next Saturday’s first leg after their five games in 15 days earlier this month.

He said: “We changed the time this morning but it was still about 35 degrees at 8am.

“But we’ve still got to train and we thought if we change it up a little bit where the players come in a bit earlier, then they’ve got the rest of the day to relax and recover.”

The Reds failed to pick up a point in three matches against Victory this season, but Vidmar says he is not phased that the two upcoming matches are against United’s arch rivals and that they have their eyes focused on going straight through and hosting the Hyundai A-League Grand Final.

He said: “Coming into finals, on any given day of those finals, the team that is going to be mentally and physically the toughest will win the game.

“I’m not too concerned that we’re playing Melbourne, I know we’ll go out there and we’ll give everything we’ve possibly got to take the tie and hopefully get a home Grand Final.”

Vidmar also dismissed suggestions the Victory has the wood over his team, and stating there is a further driving motivation to get one back on Melbourne Coach Ernie Merrick and his men.

“I don’t think so,” Vidmar replied on whether United are intimidated by Victory.

“Every game is different and going into any given week sometimes you feel great, sometimes you feel a little bit flat. Certainly we didn’t perform well when we went to Melbourne last time so we’ve got a great opportunity to make amends and fix that up over the next two legs.

“It’s two really massive games for us against a very tough opponent and we’ll go out there and give everything we’ve possibly got.”

Defender Alemao has returned to full training after recovering from a groin injury while the news was not as good for vice-captain Lucas Pantelis, who left the track early after copping a knock to his knee. However, the midfielder is expected to be available for next Saturday’s match.

With the mercury expected to stay up amongst the 40 degree mark for the remainder of the week, The Reds will continue to train early in the morning to escape the heat, as even Brazilian striker Cristiano admits to feeling the pinch in the hot conditions.

“Ok, I’m from Brazil but it’s a different hot here. It’s just dry and sunny so it’s very hot for me to,” Cristiano said.