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The Reds picked up their second consecutive ACL win after defeating Gamba Osaka 2-0 at Hindmarsh Stadium last night.
Trani said the coaches were reminding the players that the continental tournament gives them a chance to make up for a season in which they will finish at the foot of the domestic table.
“Tonight was a chance for the players to make up for what has been a poor season in the A-League,” Trani said.
“Careers are sometimes made on a performance.
“It’s something that we’ll keep driving to the group… our performances and someone’s career can turn very quickly.”
Daniel Mullen scored both Adelaide’s goals from set pieces and Trani said the defender has the ability to cause the opposition headaches in attack.
“He’s got a knack of getting into the right areas and becoming a nuisance,” Trani said.
Three of United’s four Champions League goals have come from dead-ball situations and Trani lauded his side’s defenders for being able to influence the game at both ends of the field.
“Our central defenders are doing a very good job of getting into the right areas for the set plays,” he said.
Gamba Osaka Coach José Carlos Serrão declared the match a bad result for his side who now find themselves in a form slump.
“This game means it’s now four losses in a row, we are making simple mistakes and we are losing to ourselves,” Serrão said.
United now face another short turnaround as they host Melbourne Heart at Hindmarsh this Friday night in their final league game of the season.
Trani said key players are likely to be rested in order to keep the squad fresh and reduce the risk of injury.
“We’ve got to be sensible because we don’t want to be putting undue pressure on players that have already played short turnarounds over the last two or three weeks,” Trani said.
“We can give other players an opportunity to play the last fixture in the A-League and prevent players from creating a long-term injury.
“We’re mindful of that and that (decision) will happen tomorrow at recovery,” he said.
Defender Daniel Mullen opened the scoring for United in the 17th minute with a strong follow-up after his initial strike was stopped by the crossbar. A Dario Vidosic free-kick found Mullen whose header crashed into the bar. Nigel Boogaard was first to the ball and headed it back across to Mullen who flicked the ball into Gamba’s net.
Mullen secured his brace less than 10 minutes later from another set piece, this time Cassio’s delivery finding lone-striker Bruce Djite. The 25-year-old’s header was saved by Fujigaya but unfortunately for the visitors the ball fell to Mullen who was on hand to dispatch the ball for Adelaide’s second.
United controlled much of the play in the second half and had the lion’s share of goal-scoring chances but ultimately would have to settle for a 2-0 score-line. The result gives the Reds six points from their two ACL games and leaves them perfectly placed to progress into the knockout stage of the tournament.