Adelaide United captain Michael Jakobsen says January transfer activity is not a must, despite injury absence of key trio
Adelaide United captain Michael Jakobsen says January recruits need not top the club’s priorities, as the Reds’ conveyor belt of young talent continues to cover the injury absence of a key trio.
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January recruits need not be Adelaide United’s top priority, despite a trio of key performers appearing set to remain sidelined for the weekend.
That was one of the take outs from Reds captain Michael Jakobsen, as he spoke following the club’s open training session at Marden Sports Complex on Monday.
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United players enjoyed the weekend off for their second bye of the season, having ground out victory over Newcastle Jets in punishing heat eight days ago.
Jakobsen shed some light on Adelaide’s injury concerns and gave his views on bolstering the squad, ahead of Sunday’s trip to face bottom side Central Coast Mariners in Gosford:
TRANSFER TALK
The Reds, like all A-League clubs, are this month permitted to talk to players coming off contract before the January transfer window opens.
While United had been depleted by several injuries, Jakobsen said there was no need for panic buys and instead backed Adelaide’s young talent to continue stepping up when called upon.
“I’m happy with the squad we have now,” the Danish centre back said.
“We’re doing well and we’re winning games.
“There is good depth when everybody’s fit.
“They (young players) have taken their chances.
“We’ve seen (Al Hassan) Toure, we’ve seen Louis (D’Arrigo) this year, they’ve done amazing.
“For them it’s good to show that it’s possible, also for other young players coming through.”
Riley McGree (knee) and Kristian Opseth (adductor) step up their recovery from the injuries which kept them out of @AdelaideUnited’s win over Newcastle last weekend. #ALeague @TheTiserSport @theTiser @aufc_hub @AUFCNEWS @RedArmyAUFC pic.twitter.com/iNPJXM1xzr
— Rob Greenwood (@robgreenwood1) December 15, 2019
INJURY UPDATE
The pair trained away from the main group, as they were put through a series of running drills and some light ball work under the watchful eye of medical staff.
But coach Gertjan Verbeek has demonstrated a reluctance to rush players back from physical problems, meaning the duo is at best a 50-50 chance to travel on the weekend.
“They’re ticking along,” Jakobsen, 33, said.
“We want them back as quick as possible, but I know they don’t want to take any risks so they get further damage.
“I know he (McGree) is doing everything he can to come back as quick as possible, but maybe it’s going to be this week or next week.”
German midfielder Mirko Boland, who last month had surgery to repair cartilage damage in his knee, continued his rehabilitation in the gym.
REDS HEATING UP
Verbeek put the Reds through a short, sharp hitout focused on quick ball movement and finishing, as the temperature neared 32C.
With a scorching week ahead, including a forecast 47C at United’s Elizabeth training base on Friday, Jakobsen said early training sessions would help his teammates cope with the heat.
“Last week when we played against Newcastle, it was really, really tough,” the five-cap international said.
“But we need to get used to it now.
“It’s going to be very warm, but it’s the same for other teams around the league.
“When you get into a rhythm and you get used to it … it’s OK to get through it.”
FUN FOR FANS
Adelaide sits fourth on the table, with two games in hand over some rivals, almost a third of the way through the regular campaign.
Jakobsen said allowing fans to watch training up close and get an insight into the team’s progress in its first term under Dutchman Verbeek was important.
“It’s a big day for all the boys to come out here and show what they can do, and also for the fans to come out so we can have some close encounters with them.
“It’s something we do every year, so I know it’s something the fans look forward to.
“We need to have a good relationship (with supporters).
“You see when they turn up at the stadium, it’s a massive support for us and we really enjoy playing in front of a big crowd.”