Jordan Elsey vows to step as Adelaide United leader entering FFA Cup against Central Coast
WHY it is Adelaide United defender Jordan Elsey’s time to repay coach Marco Kurz’ faith and step up as a leader.
HARDENED by the heartache of dual knee reconstructions, Jordan Elsey will answer boss Marco Kurz’ call to step up as Adelaide United’s next leader as another squad makover unfolds at Hindmarsh.
Elsey, 24, was United’s defensive rock, starting 27 of 28 games last season and looms as United’s next skipper after Isaias if the stopper resists the lure of an overseas move.
Elsey, who sat out seasons 2014-15 and 2016-17 while rehabilitating, wants to repay the faith of Kurz starting with the August 1 FFA Cup round of 32 clash against Central Coast Mariners at Marden.
“I am still youngish as a centre back, still learning but I have to be more of a leader, play with more presence on the field, confidence,” said Elsey, who led United in 31-year-old Isaias’ absence against Wellington Phoenix at Hindmarsh in January.
“Now I am back I want to stay. I have been doing the right things on and off the field but feel this is the best pre-season I have had. I am just looking forward to the season and first game against Central Coast. We have a good record at Marden.”
One of Kurz’ first acts at Hindmarsh in June last year was to back Elsey despite a back catalogue of two knee reconstructions and broken wrists. Para Hills product Elsey is indebted to his impressive German mentor.
“He gets the best out of me, expects high standards and I appreciate that and that is only going to make my game better and me improve,” said Elsey.
“The plan is just to play regular football, consistency. It fell good to play every game last year. Of course Europe and Asia is a goal but I am happy here, signed for three years.
“It’s Marco’s second year. We know more about him and the game he wants to play.”
Elsey rates championship winger Craig Goodwin, central defender Michael Jakobsen and Danish forward Ken Ilso “quality additions” to a unit that defeated West Torrens Birkalla 2-1 in a friendly at Marden on Wednesday night.
A penalty from fringe striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and young Red Carlo Armiento’s sealer delivered a win despite a Dylan D’Agostino strike.
“We want to be successful in this Cup and keep momentum building into the A-League season because that is what it’s really about and we feel really confident,” said Elsey with Adelaide needing to replace frontline performers including Ben Garuccio, Ersun Gulum, Johan Absalonsen, Daniel Adlung and Tarek Elrich this season.
“The boys are working extremely hard and are excited.”
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