Veteran Adelaide United defender Michael Marrone set for fourth FFA Cup final with the Reds
From two trophies to red card controversy, Michael Marrone has seen it all during Adelaide United’s FFA Cup finals. Now the Reds veteran is sharing his experiences with his youthful teammates ahead of his fourth knockout decider.
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Two trophies, a heartbreaking extra-time defeat and red card controversy.
Michael Marrone has seen it all during Adelaide United’s FFA Cup finals.
As the only current player to have featured in all three of the Reds’ knockout deciders, the competition holds a special place in the veteran defender’s heart.
Marrone has been sharing his experiences — good and bad — with his youthful teammates, given as many as eight are in the frame for their cup final debuts on Wednesday night.
But he said United has a clear edge in its Hindmarsh Stadium clash with Melbourne City, which as of Monday had sold more than 10,000 tickets.
“I certainly hope I can help them,” said Marrone, of the Reds’ young guns.
“A lot has happened in those games (cup deciders), but we’re very lucky to have this home final again.
“I know a lot of the boys were happy when that ball was drawn out first (to determine hosting rights), because it’s such a big advantage.
“I’m just looking forward to it, because the fans are gong to have to be nice and loud and cheer us on again. I’m sure it will give us that extra bit.”
Marrone had returned for his second Adelaide stint, just six months prior to the inaugural cup kicking off in 2014.
The SA-born stalwart helped United down Perth Glory 1-0 in the final, thanks to Sergio
Cirio’s second-half strike before a capacity home crowd. But he was sent off deep into extra-time in the decider three years later, after infamously tangling with a ball boy as the Reds fell 2-1 to Sydney FC at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Marrone was part of the side which gained revenge over the Sky Blues last season, on the back of former winger Craig Goodwin’s brilliant brace at Coopers.
“We were missing a few players and then Goodie popped up with some really, really good goals,” Marrone, 32, recalled.
“Once we went up, it just felt like we weren’t going to lose, it was one of those games.
“It was a very nice night and hopefully one of those happens again.”
United has cemented its reputation as Australia’s cup kings in Dutch coach Gertjan Verbeek’s maiden campaign at the helm.
The Reds extended their stunning FFA Cup record to just three losses in 23 matches, as they stormed to their fourth final in the tournament’s six editions.
Marrone said Verbeek, much like his cup-winning predecessors Marco Kurz and Josep Gombau, has placed an emphasis on gaining momentum in the early knockout stages.
“Every coach we’ve had during the cup runs has taken the cup so seriously,” the 211-game A-League warhorse said.
“During the pre-season, part of that motivation is … you only have to win four or five games and you’re going to win a trophy.
“We put all that hard work in during the pre-season and you just want to finish it off.”
Marrone has been ever-present in the Reds’ cup campaign, but began the season-opening league meeting with Sydney on the bench.
The Para Hills product was a beneficiary of Ryan Strain’s red card against the Sky Blues and demonstrated his versatility as a centre back in the weekend’s loss to Melbourne City. “Being part of a team is being a teammate.
“Whether you’re starting and you have to perform on the pitch or you’re coming off the bench or supporting form the sidelines. You have to be ready to do any of those things, whatever comes up.”