Western United Head Coach John Aloisi has hailed the work of his playing squad and the entire club after a difficult last week.
The Club had an interrupted preparation to its Round 5 clash against Adelaide United due to positive COVID-19 tests in the camp, but the Green and Black showed its spirit and hunger in securing a 1-0 win.
That result meant United has now won four games on the bounce in the A-League Men, the first time the Club has ever managed that feat, and Aloisi was delighted with the character in the performance.
“Yes (I was satisfied with the performance), because of the week where we had to deal with what we had to deal with,” he said in his post-match press conference.
“That just showed the spirit of the team, the club. The Club worked tirelessly in the background, the players remained focused and showed their character, because we had to fight.
“I can’t be more pleased with the playing group and the club.”
Aloisi said that while training sessions had to be adjusted throughout the week, the players never wavered in their determination to seek that record-breaking victory for the Club.
John Aloisi insists there is plenty of improvement to be made
And while the boss said the team can still get much better throughout the remainder of the campaign, he is pleased with how the group continue to respond and adapt so far.
“It shows the character of the players. We did have to adjust but that happens. It’s probably going to happen all season so we just have to be ready for it and make sure we adapt well and the group did tonight,” he said.
“The thing that I said to our group, is that we knew in pre-season; we had to isolate for seven days in pre-season. Players haven’t seen their family for 3-4 months, but nobody complains.”
The match also saw United’s run of clean sheets continue, with Jamie Young’s goal proving impenetrable throughout the four-match winning streak.
United has conceded just once all season – the best defensive record in the league – and are level with five other teams on four goals scored for the campaign.
Aloisi stressed that while he is “very satisfied” with the defensive solidity, the team will continue to improve and goals will flow more regularly in due time.
The Green and Black is currently in second place on the A-League Men table, and will face third-placed Melbourne Victory in a Boxing Day blockbuster at the top end of the league.
