Midfielder Steven Lustica says there were positives to take out of Saturday’s defeat to the Central Coast Mariners and that the players are fully behind the process that is in place.
Midfielder Steven Lustica says there were positives to take out of Saturday-s defeat to the Central Coast Mariners and that the players are fully behind the process that is in place.
Lustica, who has started in all three rounds this season, acknowledged that the type of football the Reds want to play is very much a work in progress. Considering the season is only three rounds in, the Reds were hardly disgraced or blown off the park by the reigning champions, and Lustica can already see progress being made.
“Obviously we would have liked to have won the game but I think we can take a lot of positives out of it,” Lustica said.
“The style that Josep is implementing is getting better each week and I think we can only keep getting better.”
It is not secret that Coach Josep Gombau-s game plan revolves around dominating possession and keeping the ball for extended periods, something the Reds managed to do successfully against Mariners.
But as the game showed, possession does not always lead to more shots at goal, although Lustica is confident that with time there is a greater chance of this eventuating.
“We had a lot of possession but didn-t manage to create too many chances, so I-m sure that-s one area we-ll look to improve on for the next game, to create more chances and be more ruthless in the final third.”
There are sure to be some teething problems whenever a team is developing and learning a new style and way to play, but Lustica believes the Reds are on the right track, particularly and importantly as everyone has brought into it.
Gombau has stated that the ultimate goal is to vie for the title next season and to use this season to build a solid base from which to launch an assault in 2014/15.
While Lustica said the club is still determined to do its best to win some silverware this season, the succession plan sits ok with him and believes the results will inevitably come as the squad continues to evolve with the football Josep wants to play.
“I think it-s going to take some time for everyone to click and to gel,” Lustica said.
“We want to contest for the title as well but it-s going to take some time. For now it-s about getting used to the style, making sure we-ve got that structure and play that style each week and stick to it.”
