Reds star James Troisi is relishing the responsibility of playing in front of his home Adelaide crowd
Socceroos 2015 AFC Asian Cup hero James Troisi says he can cope with the added pressure of playing for Adelaide United - his hometown club - for the first time this season.
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Adelaide United’s star signing James Troisi says being a home boy is much more demanding, adding the pressure of fans wanting him to be at his peak constantly hasn’t fazed him.
The 2015 Asian Cup Socceroos hero was maligned for years by some obstinate Reds fans when he signed for Melbourne Victory on loan from Italy’s Atalanta in 2013, but now he has become an Adelaide idol.
Before that some fans seemingly couldn’t appreciate the South Australian had become the state’s best export since John Aloisi, signing contracts with English premier league Newcastle United and Italian Serie A giant Juventus where he was also owned by Atalanta, wore No. 9 and made appearances in Italy.
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Aloisi, after making his NSL debut for Adelaide City, scored for clubs in the then top three leagues of Europe, Italy, England and Spain.
He later put SA on the map when he scored that crucial 2005 penalty to give the Socceroos a FIFA World Cup berth for the first time in 32 years, but was hardly welcomed to Hindmarsh by a fans minority when he returned to the A-League.
“I try not to think about it too much, but that’s what you get, I’m one of the 22 squad players, I can do my thing but I can only do so much; if I have to step up I will,’’ Troisi said.
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“I played my role against Newcastle Jets scoring the winner, and have also been there with assists but every game is different and teams know me and they will try to mark me out of the game, which is fine.
“That creates opportunities for other players, but I don’t see the pressure that way.
“I’m enjoying being back in Adelaide playing in front of family and friends and I really do enjoy my personal life, but if work is a good environment it makes it easier.”
A friendship with Reds football director Bruce Djite sealed the contract for Troisi to play for his hometown club for the first time.
Djite also revealed that Troisi’s deal was the reason why a fifth “big name” foreigner wasn’t signed, after the club used its last visa spot on untried Chinese Yongbin Chen from sister club Qingdao Red Lions.
But Adelaide coach Gertjan Verbeek also proved Troisi is not indispensable.
Troisi, 31, was subbed off in the 64th minute of the 2-1 loss to Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.
It was also a reality check for the entire squad, Troisi added.
“There was also talk outside when we won five in a row, they were talking about us winning the league and the championship,’’ he said.
“Of course, we still can, but it goes to show how quickly things can turn in football.”
Sunday was the first time Troisi had been hooked in an Adelaide United shirt.
This came 10 minutes after another key Reds player Michael Maria was dragged off for the first time at Adelaide after experienced defender Michael Marrone didn’t surface for the start of the second half.
“I played the way (Verbeek) wanted me to play and it wasn’t working, so he tried to change it,’’ Troisi said.
“I’m big enough and old enough to cop it on the chin, but the last three weeks we haven’t played anywhere near where we were in the beginning.
“It’s been tormenting.”