Western United coach John Aloisi hasn’t had to find ways to motivate his playing group as they prepare to start their A-League Men’s defence.
In a different position than they have previously found themselves in previously as the championships, the vibe remains high in the group.
Aloisi said the group was excited to get back out on the field in the season proper on Friday night against Melbourne City in a rematch of last season’s grand final.
“I’m very excited,” he said. “This is probably other than the final week of the season… It’s probably the most excited that you get leading into a game as it’s been so long since we’ve played a competitive game.
“We’re excited about it, we can’t wait, it’s been a good pre-season for us.”
With more than 90 per cent of last season’s group returning, United already has a good base for this season.
Aloisi said despite the success that they had last season, there had been no complacency. He said the group had driven themselves.
“We want to keep on improving and be a team that keeps on getting better and evolving,” he said.
“As a team in areas that we could improve on just keep working hard and that has been the main thing
“I could see the boys were motivated and ready and excited and trained probably even harder than last pre-season.
“That is a positive and from there you think the results will come.”
Aloisi said that there would be some new faces in the squad round one.
Jacob Tratt. James Troisi and Tongo Hamed Doumbia would likely feature in that team. He said Doumbia would take a bit of time to adjust to playing in the league, but was excited about what he could deliver.
Aloisi said they were also expecting some of their younger players to take further steps this season.
We had a really good step up from the younger players last season,” he said.
“People forget Lachie Wales at the start of last season was only 23 years old and just went to the Olympics .
“He performed really well and it was probably his best season to date in the A-League. We also have Adisu Bayew who played a lot of minutes.
“Rhys Bozinovski towards the end of the last season and the beginning of this pre-season… They will be pushing.
Aloisi said Aleksandar Prijovic and skipper Alessandro Dimanti would have slower starts to the season.
He said Diamanti was eager to get back on the pitch.
“He hasn’t played any minutes in pre-season and will take a little bit of time to see how many minutes he plays.
“It’s been a long time since January this year [since he has played] he has worked hard and he is motivated.
“He says it’s his last season, when he says it’s his last season and how motivated he is, only good sign for us.”
United face Melbourne City on Friday at 7.45pm at AAMI Park.
