South Melbourne Hellas coach Esteban Quintas spoke exclusively to us about his side’s preparations for the upcoming season.
The Argentine coach expressed satisfaction with the team’s pre-season form and outlined his expectations for the new signings.
“We’re delighted with how pre-season has gone,” Quintas declared. “The results in the friendlies have been very positive – 2-0 against Langwarrin, 1-0 against Melbourne Srbija, and 3-0 against Box Hill United – and that gives us real momentum going forward.”
Quintas singled out the new arrivals: “We’ve brought in seven new players – Jonathan Pithoula, Andrew Messorouni, Campbell Dovison, Luka Dursa, George Mells, Charlie Leech, and Andre Skapoulas. We’re confident they’ll quickly integrate and make a real impact.”
I specifically asked him about Skapoulas.
“I’ve known him since he was a kid and he’s a fantastic talent. I hope he becomes a key player for us.”
While not ruling out further additions, the coach emphasized the current squad’s strength: “We’re happy with the squad as it stands. If the right opportunity arises in January, we’ll explore it, but for now, our focus is on fine-tuning our preparations.”
Reflecting on last season, Quintas acknowledged the challenges: “It was a tough year with a small squad and a lot of injuries. However, we still managed to win 80 per cent of our games, which is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the number of young players we had. That gives us the confidence to continue with the same intensity.”
Regarding the team’s objectives, Quintas stated: “We approach every game individually. We don’t set long-term targets. The key is to be ready for every opponent and give our absolute best in every match. Of course, we always aim to be competitive and challenge for the top spot.”
A crucial factor in the team’s success is the strong bond within the squad: “I love these guys. We work incredibly hard, and I demand a lot from them, but they know it all comes from the heart. We’re a tight-knit group, and that’s our biggest strength.”
The Mar del Plata born coach addressed his tactical approach: “To be honest, we don’t have a single style of play. I like direct football, but ultimately, we adapt to each opponent. Last season, we tried various tactics and formations – four at the back, three at the back, high pressing, possession-based, and more. Football is about winning, and we’ll do whatever it takes to get the three points.”
Finally, Quintas emphasized South Melbourne’s commitment to youth development: “This club has a long and proud history of developing young talent. It’s something we cherish, and I’m thrilled to work with these young players. The future of this club is bright.”
