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\u201cIt has been a unique preseason, we haven\u2019t had the ability to get the games required to be match fit,\u201d Rudan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt hasn\u2019t been ideal, but we\u2019ve always said we\u2019re not going to make excuses\u2026 it gives an opportunity to some young guys.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a few with niggles\u2026 we\u2019re not going to take any risks on them. I\u2019d expect a bit more of a youthful line-up for round one.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to take the bull by the horns and be as best prepared as we can for round one.\u201d<\/p>\n
In what was an extremely promising debut season for Western United last year, one win off making the A-League grand final, Rudan said his group was looking to build on those foundations.<\/p>\n
Rudan was not placing any ceilings on United\u2019s 2020-21 season, seeking continued improvement to deliver another quality season as the club looks to establish itself in the competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to start where we left off, the boys are in great spirits,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe strive to improve, every day\u2026 at the end of the season you want to have more points than you did at the end of last season and players to have improved, but it\u2019s a step-by-step process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Western United boasted the third best attack last season and Rudan said United fans could expect to see the same intent in their play throughout 2020-21.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s been a huge focus on our system,\u201d he said. \u201cWe certainly want to go out there and entertain, there\u2019s certainly a few things to fix up at the back but we want to play a quick transition style of game.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WESTERN United coach Mark Rudan concedes it has not been an ideal pre-season for his group, but there will be no excuses come its season opener on 28 December. COVID-19 restrictions have interrupted United\u2019s preparations as they build towards their A-League round one encounter against Adelaide United at GMHBA Stadium. Rudan added, while wishing to […]<\/p>\n