The Reds remain hopeful that they can still reach the A-League finals but preparations are well underway for the assault on Asia - and that means being ready to hit the ground running when the ACL gets underway next month.

"We still, in a way, need to prepare for the ACL now, doing a little bit more fitness," Vidmar told the Adelaide Advertiser. "Every day we are preparing, whether it is on or off the field.

"The last A-League game is February 14 and a week later is the first ACL game. We have something in our minds about how we want to play."

It has been a tough A-League season for United but Vidmar is a fighter and has vowed to keep fighting.

He added: "As tough as it is when things are not going right, the worst thing you can do is throw in the towel and let the little man in your head tell you that it is all a waste of time."

In a bid to avoid the anticipated scorching temperatures in Adelaide over the next couple of days, the Reds have moved their training sessions to the earlier time of 8am as they prepare for this weekend's clash with Gold Coast United.