Steve Corica speaks to the media ahead of this weekend’s elimination final at Go Media Stadium against Melbourne City.
It’s win or go home this weekend for Auckland FC after falling out of the top 2 places in the final match week. Auckland shared the spoils away to Sydney FC while Adelaide scored with the final kick to leapfrog the Black Knights into second place.
Steve Corica spoke on the importance of the elimination final on Saturday at Go Media.
“It’s definitely a pressure game because it’s a one-off game, so like I said, it’s do or die at the moment.”
The one-off match is against last season’s A-League champions, with the winner progressing to the semi-finals. Should Auckland make it, they will play a two-legged tie against Adelaide United for a place in the grand final.
Auckland’s form has been patchy as of late, but Corica played down concerns that form will be a factor in Saturday’s result.
“When it comes to finals time, form’s out the door, that’s the way we’re treating it.
“We know what we have to do, we’ve had some good results against [Melbourne] City at our home ground.”
The most recent match between the two teams was a 3-0 home win for Auckland FC, which was Auckland’s last home win in the A-League.
Corica may be without star forwards Sam Cosgrove and Jesse Randall for the clash against City, with the latter’s most recent goal being in that 3-0 home win.
“Sam [Cosgrove] has ruptured ligaments in his ankle. He was out training today, lightly.
“He’ll try and train tomorrow, and then we’ll make a decision whether he starts or maybe comes off the bench.” Says Corica.
“Jesse [Randall] has got a tight groin, so he’s just pulled up slowly after the last game in Sydney and still a bit sore. We’ll just see how he goes tomorrow as well.”
Certain to miss the game is Felipe Gallegos, the Chilean picked up a hamstring problem early in the match against Sydney.
“Felipe, obviously, he’s out, he’s done. I think he’s got a 2C hamstring [problem], so he’ll be out for about four weeks.”
“He’ll be back for the final.” Says Corica.
Corica gave a positive update on a few of the players who have been out for the past few weeks, with a few coming back in contention for Saturday’s squad.
“Nando [Pijnaker], he trained fully today. He’ll be back in the squad. Jake Brimmer will train tomorrow and be back in the squad.”
Pijnaker came off early against Melbourne Victory on the 11th of April after dislocating his shoulder. He managed to avoid needing surgery and is back in contention for Saturday’s elimination final.
Brimmer picked up a calf problem in training earlier in the month and hasn’t played since coming off the bench in Auckland’s home defeat to Macarthur FC on the 21st of March.
Grab tickets for Saturday’s elimination final and support the team with a semi-final spot up for grabs.
