“My body feels good, I feel like I’m really fit, and I’m looking forward to hopefully a good season,” said Clough.
Zach Clough, a midfielder for Adelaide United, does not believe his team will gain anything from Melbourne City’s midweek meeting in Asia on Sunday at Coopers Stadium.
The Reds will be hoping to capitalize on their season-opening victory against reigning champion Central Coast last Friday and extend their seven-game unbeaten streak at the venue against the Isuzu UTE A-League premiers from the previous season.
As part of a partnership with Breakthrough Mental Health, this Sunday’s game will be the first A-League Mental Health game, collecting much-needed funding and awareness for mental health research.
Against the Mariners, Clough put on one of his best games as a Red, scoring a goal and helping to set up another.
In an interview with the media on Thursday, the Englishman talked about adjusting to Australian football, the unique qualities of Nestory Irankunda, and how he is assisting his compatriot Ryan Tunnicliffe in adjusting to the league.
Zach Clough on his level of fitness and adapting to the A-League environment:
“I think my level of fitness hasn’t changed from last year.” Last year, I started the season in great shape. It took me some time because I wasn’t completely fit when I moved to Australia because I hadn’t played a lot of football for a few years prior. It would always take some time to adjust to playing for ninety minutes, just as when you were practicing football fitness again. However, I feel like I’m in great shape, and I’m excited for what I hope will be a successful season.
I still don’t understand why we play in the summer here, but even Australian players seem to agree that it’s difficult to adapt to the weather. It is difficult to play in the heat. I focus on the football game and don’t really give the weather too much thought these days.
Zach Clough on if Melbourne City’s midweek match in Thailand will benefit his team in any way:
“I don’t think we need to think too much about them because I think they brought a lot of players off early in the game, so I think they’ll still be good no matter what and we’ll still prepare exactly the same way.” However, it’s possible that they will be a little worn out, which could offer us a slight advantage in the game.
Zach Clough on this week’s A-League Breakthrough Mental Health game, which is the first of its kind and will raise funds for mental health research:
“It will be the inaugural Mental Health game in Australia’s A-League history.” We did have something called The Mind in England, but it’s great that Breakthrough is here to help, and that the club is supporting this right immediately so we can play a round. In the world, mental health is a major problem, particularly for men. Sport has a lot to offer, in my opinion. Attending games with other people makes you happy. Additionally, cheering on Adelaide and every other side in the league may truly benefit people and make you feel good.
Regarding if Zach Clough had witnessed a talent like to Nestory Irankunda in the UK:
“In the UK, it’s difficult to get an opportunity at that age. But he has something incredibly unique. The authority that he holds. Really, the speed is a little terrifying. I think he has what it takes to reach the top.
“I believe it is up to him. The boys and the coaches must be there for him every day, pushing him and not allowing him to take his foot off the throttle. Keep yourself anchored. Furthermore, with all of the outside noise these days, it is difficult to avoid football, so players must maintain attention.
Zach Clough on assisting Ryan Tunnicliffe, another Englishman, in acclimating to Adelaide life:
With my girlfriend, I went out to supper. Although his spouse isn’t here yet, he’s already settled into his house and is in love with Adelaide. We lived approximately ten kilometers apart growing up, so it’s surreal to be back in Adelaide and playing together at this point in my career.
Zach Clough discussing the Coopers Stadium support:
“We always receive incredible support when we play at home, and I hope they can join us again on Sunday night for a big game.” They won the league the previous year, so even though it’s only Round 2, this game is important. Although they lost to Central Coast in the championship game, they have a lot of players signed and I believe they were always going to be one of the teams in this league to defeat.
Adelaide United and Melbourne City play at Coopers Stadium on Sunday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m. You can get tickets here.
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