The A-League season is almost upon us and already some Adelaide United fans are apprehensive as to whether the club can back up last season’s successful campaign in which they completed the double, winning the Premiers Plate and Championship.
While it was always going to be difficult to emulate the success of last season, the loss of key personnel has somewhat lowered expectations.
Should there be cause for concern?
Craig Goodwin, Bruce Djite and Stefan Mauk have all made moves to overseas clubs since the grand final triumph last season. Bruce Kamau has joined Melbourne City, while fan favourite Pablo Sanchez has also moved on.
While the exits of Goodwin and Mauk were somewhat expected, the other three perhaps not as much, and fans have been waiting for significant signings before the start of the campaign to help off-set these departures.
Young talent in Ben Garuccio, Ryan Kitto, Marc Marino and Jesse Makarounas have all signed on for the upcoming season, so it has not been all doom and gloom. But the transfer business from Melbourne City – bringing in the likes of Tim Cahill, Luke Brattan and Neil Kilkenny among others – has them pegged as the team to catch.
The alarm bells really started to ring after the Reds suffered a surprise defeat to Redlands United in the FFA Cup last month. While this may have just been a wake-up call, it was a reminder that reinforcements are still required.
Adelaide have been linked with numerous players in recent weeks, including former Germany international Kevin Kuranyi, who was targeted as a potential marquee signing. This deal reportedly falling down due to family reasons with the striker expected to remain in Germany.
The club hierarchy are continuing to negotiate with other targets and a goal scorer is certainly top of the agenda.
Last season there was concern from the Hindmarsh natives as United started the season without a win in their opening eight games. History shows us what transpired next, and Guillermo Amor will not be pushing the panic button yet, as he looks to mould his squad for a title defence.
Much of the nucleus from last season is still present, with key players such as Eugene Galekovic, Isaías and Macelo Carrusca. Despite reported interest from other clubs at the end of last season, Dylan McGowan and Tarek Elrich have also remained loyal.
Many expect the quality of the A-League to take a step forward in 2016-17, United fans hope their team are still in the mix to repeat the heroics of last season.
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