Reds coach wants Unite Round shared

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart has questioned whether Sydney is the right host city for the A-League’s Unite Round, saying the concept should be shared around the nation.

The Reds meet Brisbane Roar on Saturday in one of six A-League men’s matches being played at Allianz Stadium from Friday to Sunday.

Six women’s games are also being played in Sydney, at Jubilee Stadium, across the same three days.

Unite Round started last season, with Sydney being awarded hosting rights by the Australian Professional Leagues as part of a revamped deal with the NSW Government after scrapping the unpopular decision to play the grand final in Sydney every year.

Veart supports the idea of Unite Round but not the location.

“Being away from Sydney we haven’t really seen too much of it,” the Reds mentor said.

“It’s a good concept but whether Sydney is the right spot for it, I’m not sure.

“I don’t think Adelaide is the right spot for it. I don’t think we’ve got the venues that can hold it.

“In the long-term, it might be beneficial to move it around the country to give more fans access to our great game.

“It’s something I suppose the (APL) will keep working with.”

The Reds, who have compiled seven points from three matches to be unbeaten this season, have the chance to inflict further misery on a Roar side that is yet to register a point.

“You know they’re going to be desperate to get the three points,” Veart said.

“They’ve been a little unlucky in the start of the season, but they play good football.

“They’re quite aggressive with their pressing, so if we’re not at the top of our game, it can be a difficult game.

“We’ll go there with a good plan to (further) interrupt their season and keep our season going along.

“We’re very happy with where the squad is travelling at the moment, and we just have to keep winning games.”

Veart was pleased that there was plenty of competition for places in Adelaide’s starting team.

“The boys have been excellent,” he said.

“Since the beginning of the season, the training and intensity has been very good and the past two weeks (during the international window break) has been no different.
“We’re fortunate at the moment other than (the injured) Jordan Elsey that we’ve got pretty much a full squad to select from.

“The boys that aren’t in the team at the moment are pushing really hard to get a spot in the team.

“That’s what you need to have success.”