Reds Will Wait For Madaschi

Just a week out from the start of the A-League season, Vidmar hinted that football punters can expect to see more of a 'go forward' mentality from his team and a willingness to take the game on, starting with the club's season opener against Perth Glory on Friday, August 7 at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Vidmar says playing fast, dynamic football is something he has tried to instil into the club since he became head coach, and he believes this season the Reds are primed to implement this game style. 

"We've made a pretty conservative effort in terms of trying to make our game more dynamic and that's the direction we've been trying to head in the last couple of years, and I certainly feel we're getting much closer," Vidmar said.

"The types of players that are quick and are able to get rid of an opponent in a one on one situation and get the ball moving forward quickly, I think that type of dynamic movement through the midfield going into the front third, is something you'll see a much better improvement in this year."

Preparing to face the newly star-studded Perth Glory, Vidmar is limited by the number of players still  unavailable for the round one clash, but he believes the group who have been on the training track will be ready.

The Reds went down 2-1 to Melbourne Victory last Sunday in Launceston in their final pre-season hit out, but Vidmar says he saw enough in that match to believe the team will put in a first-rate performance in Round 1.

"Physically everyone is really good," said Vidmar. "Last week we played a solid 90 minutes against Melbourne, and while the result wasn't what we wanted there were some fantastic signs, and physically everyone that played last week looked in pretty good shape."

Throughout the off season, much of the focus has been on whether the Reds' defence can replicate their miserly reputation of last season, which saw United concede the least number of goals of any side in 2008/09.

While Sasa Ognenovski move to Seongnam Ilhwa is a significant loss, Vidmar is sure the likes of youngsters Daniel Mullen, Michael Marrone, Scott Jamieson, Robert Cornthwaite and new signing, former Sydney FC defender Iain Fyfe, can again make United the best defensive unit in the league.

"Certainly we need to do a fair bit of work but I've got the utmost confidence in the boys that are there at the moment...I'm very confident that they'll do a very good job," Vidmar said.

Vidmar confirmed the club had made an offer to former Socceroo defender Adrian Madaschi to add further depth to United's defence, Vidmar admits it could be some time before he gets an answer.

"They have to make the decision at the end," Vidmar said. "We've given our best offer, and it's whether they want to leave what they're doing overseas to come back.

"It's frustrating because as much as we would love them here, unfortunately we have to play the waiting game with them and when they're ready, they'll make a decision."

As the A-League expands to ten teams for this season, Vidmar knows the mission to win The Reds a first championship will be tougher than ever, but he says the club's supporters can expect the side to again be one of the main contenders and can ensure the players will be doing their all to bring silverware to Adelaide.

"They (the supporters) can certainly expect a competitive side, as we had last year. The players have set their goals and every club at this time of the year wants to win the championship, that's the aim," Vidmar said.

"We certainly think we've got a strong enough group to get into the finals and once we're in the finals, as we saw last year, anything can happen, so I'm expecting big things, it's certainly going to be a challenge but one that everyone's embracing."