Head Coach, Marco Kurz, lamented his side’s slow start but was proud of the way they responded as Adelaide United secured a thrilling 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar on Friday night.
It was a case of déjà vu for the Reds as they trailed inside the opening 10 minutes for the second consecutive week courtesy of Massimo Maccarone’s volley.
Adelaide also fell behind at Wellington Phoenix in the fifth minute, before equalising soon after to record a 1-1 draw in Round 1.
Great support from the @RedArmyAUFC away to Brisbane this week. More of that at @TheAdelaideOval, fam!
? Tickets: https://t.co/0T2fTT2TXW pic.twitter.com/lsBl1pfzZB
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) October 15, 2017
The German tactician rued his team’s poor start to proceedings, but was encouraged by the resilience shown in the second-half.
“I think again we didn’t start well,” Kurz told Fox Sports after the enthralling finish to the game.
“Again we get a goal against us which is not good, the same way like against Wellington.
“And then we must work harder and harder and harder, but I think the team have the confidence that they can come back.
“And we have the power that we can score in the last five minutes.
“It’s hard work to get the victory and in the future we must do a lot of things better.”
Substitute Ryan Kitto got the Reds back on level terms in the 88th minute before Johan Absalonsen made it two goals in two matches with a thunderous drive to seal all three points in stoppage time.
The result was Adelaide’s ninth victory at Suncorp Stadium, the most outside Coopers Stadium and perpetuating the notion that the venue is the Reds’ home away from home.
Hey Johan, can you make it three from three next week at @TheAdelaideOval, please? #AUFC
? Tickets: https://t.co/0T2fTT2TXW pic.twitter.com/uyzTbOd6IE
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) October 14, 2017
Kurz said he was looking to see an improved start from his players in the Original Rivalry clash against Melbourne Victory on Friday.
“I hope that when we start in the next week against Victory that we start with more trust, with more confidence and more belief in our quality,” he said.
“It’s a process and it’s good today that we reached the three points – in Brisbane it’s a good team.”
The 48-year-old was also glad his side now have plenty of time to recover from back-to-back gruelling away trips to begin the season.
“We had two stressful travels and I saw this in the eyes of my players,” he said.
“But I hope we have a good recuperation and then it’s a big game for us.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory in Round 3 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Friday, 20 October at Adelaide Oval. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
