Adelaide United striker Bruce Djite admits the confidence is high within the Reds’ camp ahead of their ‘Original Rivalry’ clash with fierce rivals Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Adelaide are currently the hottest team of the competition, unbeaten in 11 consecutive matches and their unprecedented resurgence has seen them rise to third on the A-League table – one point above the fifth placed Victory.
The Reds’ last defeat occurred against their bitter opponents on 28 November in a 2-1 loss at Etihad Stadium and in the process extended the Victorians’ undefeated streak in the league to eight meetings. United fans have to go back to February 2013 for the previous time it registered a win in this encounter.
Perhaps more pertinent is their last conquest across the border happened over five years ago, courtesy of a 4-1 trouncing which included a mesmerising Sergio van Dijk free-kick. In fact, the Victory’s home record is virtually invincible with the city of churches outfit triumphant on just one instance in 18 visits to Australia’s second largest city.
POPULAR ARTICLES
Anthony Di Pietro scoffs at attempted pro-flare arguments
Gate delays a small price to pay for better security, Melbourne Victory CEO Ian Robson says
Top 5 – Melbourne Victory vs Adelaide United ‘original rivalry’ flashpoints [VIDEO]
However, despite United’s underwhelming record in this fixture Djite remains upbeat his side can prolong their remarkable renaissance against Kevin Muscat’s men.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Football Show, the 28-year-old was rather reserved in acknowledging the Reds’ incredible turnaround, instead insisting the challenge is to continue their form heading into the finals.
“I wouldn’t say we’re [Adelaide] on fire… we are on an upward trajectory there’s no doubt about that, the confidence is high and we’re are playing some good football in extended patches,” Djite said.
“Look I think considering where we were to where we are now, it’s a fantastic improvement but I think the challenge now is can we make 11 unbeaten, 12, can we make 12, 13.
“There’s still a lot of work to do, so I don’t want to get too carried away with this on fire business because I don’t want no Victory to throw no water on it.
“If we play well and we stay concentrated and focused we will win the game 100 per cent, because the way we play and the players that we have in my opinion we should win that game.”
The former Gold Coast United talisman also believes Friday’s clash is a “massive game”, in the context of this season, given how closely poised the top six is.
“There’s no denying the magnitude of the game and when you look at the table and how important the game is, in context of the points and how close the top five six teams are it’s a massive game there’s no hiding it,” Djite continued.
Djite was also quizzed about breaking his highly-discussed 11 month goal drought, after netting a brace in a 4-1 drubbing of Brisbane Roar last month.
The attacker revealed he remained unflappable during the barren run of 21 scoreless league games in front of goal, declaring he maintained belief in his ability.
“I was never really flat about it, certainly I’m not that type of guy and I wasn’t that upbeat after I broke the drought either,” Djite confessed.
“If you let the emotions get the better of you, you’re going to have some really turbulent times. And while statistically it looks like a turbulent time I was calm in my mind.
“I never lost confidence or anything like that… but I didn’t feel my general play was poor, you know my touches were quite good I was still quite involved in the game.
“I was setting up goals for other people I was getting midfielders into the game and my teammates believed in me.”
Djite has netted three goals in his preceding four matches and will be hoping to add to his tally on Friday, as Adelaide look to secure a first interstate win in more than five years over the Victory.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
