Adelaide United boss Josep Gombau isn’t getting sucked into Graham Arnold’s mind games.
The Spaniard says his Sydney FC counterpart can say what he likes – Gombau’s just not interested.
Arnold earlier this week stoked the fires for Saturday night’s A-League semi-final by suggesting Adelaide stole the points the last time they meet.
“I don’t want to play this game,” Gombau told reporters on Friday when asked for a response.
“I am a coach, my motivation is not for this. I am a coach that speak on the field.”
Gombau ruled striker Bruce Djite out of the final because of an ongoing groin complaint.
“He’s not 100 per cent and tomorrow we need to play at 120 per cent,” he said.
Midfielder Jimmy Jeggo was cleared of an ankle concern as the Reds seek to extend their winning stretch over Sydney, who haven’t beaten them in the past six starts.
“These are numbers, no? Numbers are for statistics and the journalists,” Gombau said.
“As a coach, I know it will be very difficult.
“Of course we have a good record there and this is something that is good. But every game is different.”
Djite and eight-gamer Jordan Elsey (knee) aside, Gombau has a full squad to select from for the Sydney showdown.
“We have a good squad and we are going there with a lot of power,” he said.
The Sky Blues, who rested last week as Adelaide pipped Brisbane Roar to advance, also appear full strength as they eye a grand final slot for the first time since their 2010 title.
And they’re recent poor record against the Reds isn’t being spoken of in Sydney.
“We have had a great week’s training,” midfielder Mickael Tavares told reporters on Friday.
“After Wellington it was very positive for us to have a week off even for the confidence. Now everybody is 100 per cent, everybody is back.”
Adelaide’s Gombau acknowledged the sudden-death stakes but said there would be few surprises between the rivals, who have met four times this season.
“We go there knowing very well what we need to do and we need to play our game,” he said.
“We build this team to attack, not to defend.
“Every team knows each other. This is five times we play this season against them … nothing can change a lot.”
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