Adelaide United youth squad coach Michael Valkanis has commended his side after its triumph in claiming the NPL State League title.
Valkanis, who was appointed just over a year ago, set the bar high when he first took the senior coach’s position and was ecstatic to see his visions met so early in his tenure.
“In preparation for the first time competing in the local competition, I started off by stating my three objectives to all my staff and players,” Valkanis told Adelaide United’s website.
“One, to play good football; two, by playing this good football, to win the senior and reserve competitions; and lastly, to finish with the top goal scorer.
“So when you look at it now, we reached for the sky and it paid off. But in the end it was all our hard work that did it and with the boys putting in so much effort we achieved it all.”
The side finished top over rivals Adelaide Olympic on goal difference, with both teams finishing on 66 points. The side’s triumphant season means it will now feature in the First Division of the NPL next season – and Valkanis is relishing the opportunity.
“We’re going to look to play good football again next season,” he said.
“Our belief is that if we can play good football and we are as attacking and clinical as we were this season, we will definitely win more games than we lose and will be on-track for more success.”