Adelaide United midfielder Mirko Boland says FFA Cup progress can inspire A-League success
Midfield ace Mirko Boland says Adelaide United’s FFA Cup progress can inspire another strong A-League campaign. But the German import says recruits can help the Reds take the next step.
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Adelaide United’s knockout dominance can lay the foundation for another promising A-League season, but the Reds may need further reinforcements to sustain a title challenge.
That was the view of Mirko Boland after the German midfielder helped the club advance to the FFA Cup semi-finals for the fourth time in the competition’s six editions.
United produced a mixed display to down 10-man Newcastle Jets 1-0 at Hindmarsh Stadium on Tuesday night as it closed in on claiming a record third cup.
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Boland said the belief and know-how gained from negotiating knockout ties was crucial, as demonstrated last season when the cup holder narrowly missed an A-League grand final berth.
“It’s a good situation when you come into the cup and get a good feeling,” Boland, 32, said.
“Also for the season, it’s really important to get confidence and get in good shape.
“For me last year it (winning the cup) was a really good experience and I would be happy if we can do it again.
“We started really well (against the Jets)... but for me the second half wasn’t really good because we didn’t play really smart in the moment.
“But in the end the important thing was the result and that was good.”
The Reds began brightly in the last eight clash, creating a string of first half chances with their high-tempo possession game and energetic pressing without the ball.
Teenager Al Hassan Toure scored the winner when he pounced on an error by substitute goalkeeper Glen Moss, after the visitors had Lewis Italiano sent off in the 11th minute.
Boland said Adelaide’s inability to capitalise on a man’s advantage highlighted the need for new signings before the October 11 season-opener against Sydney FC.
“That would be good,” said Boland, when asked if recruits were required to compliment arrivals Riley McGree, Michael Maria and Kristian Opseth.
“Especially (because) we have a couple of national (team) players and maybe they can also leave us (for international matches) in the season.
“At the moment the squad is really good, also especially the young players.
“But with young players they maybe can’t play constantly at this level, so you have to take care of that.”
Boland was set for his second campaign in Australia after joining last July from German side Eintracht Braunschweig.
He was enjoying the adventurous approach of new coach Gertjan Verbeek, who he faced several times during the Dutchman's stints in charge of FC Nurnberg and VfL Bochum.
“We like it because it’s an offensive style,” said Boland, who missed 12 games last summer with a hamstring injury before returning to help the Reds reach the semi-final.
‘It’s much different to last year.
“But we still have to improve, that’s also really clear.
“I feel much more comfortable this year.
“I know what happens in the league, also the climate, the weather, the different time zones.
“Last year I also got a long injury (and) that was a hard time.
“After that I never really came back to the level that I expect from me.
“Right now I feel pretty good, I feel fit and hopefully I can also improve more and more and help the team with my style of football.”