Despite the disappointment of Saturday’s Melbourne Derby, Melbourne City FC midfielder Erik Paartalu said the result would motivate his side to register a positive performance against Adelaide United this Friday night.
Melbourne City FC return to AAMI Park for the second time this season – and the for the first time under Fridaynight lights – and the 28-year-old Paartalu admitted the quick turnaround will drive him and his teammates to reverse last Saturday’s performance.
“It was disappointing,” Paartalu said. “Bar the goal that they scored before half time, I thought we were in control of the match in the first half.
“[In the] second half we didn’t start too well and that’s something we are trying to fix but we are a new team and we’re learning new things every day.”
Paartalu agreed that his team had been able to register impressive displays in the first halves of its first three matches, but it was a matter of maintaining control and concentration across 90 minutes.
However, Paartalu admitted it would be challenging to execute a consistent 90 minutes against a quality opponent this Friday.
“[Adelaide] are full of confidence so there is no better game for us [to bounce back],” Paartalu said.
“We are coming up against one of the best teams in the league and hopefully we can show how good we are on the weekend.
“We know that there are no easy games in the league.
“We need to be performing well and if we get that right, we will be a force in this league.”
Reflecting on his own peformance thus far, Paartalu felt that he has had a postitive effect on the side after the opening rounds of the season.
“I’m progressing, obviously would have like to play more minutes than I have,” Paartalu said.
“I think every game has got better and ill take that in my stride and keep going.”
Melbourne City FC takes on Adelaide United this Friday night at AAMI Park. Kick-off at 7:40pm with gates opening at 6:30pm. Speed up your entry to the stadium by buying your tickets online through Ticketek or purchase at the gate.
