The only answer for Adelaide United if it is to make something of its season is to work hard on getting better according to Eugene Galekovic.
The only answer for Adelaide United if it is to make something of its season is to work hard on getting better according to Eugene Galekovic.
The empty, shattered expression on Eugene Galekovic-s face said it all as he bravely fronted the media alongside Coach Rini Coolen following the Reds- 3-0 defeat to Gold Coast United.
Presented with a plaque prior to kick-off for his achievement in becoming just the fourth player to play 100 Hyundai A-League games for the club, it was meant to be about a night of celebration for Galekovic and his contribution to the club, but it proved to be anything but.
The dual Hyundai A-League Goalkeeper of the Year saw the ball fly into his net twice in the first half before the Reds conceded a third time in the dying minutes to add further salt to the wound.
Heading into half time behind on the scoreboard, Galekovic said the players discussed why they had again found themselves in this predicament for the second straight time at home. The 30 year old admitted there was a lack of confidence amongst the group to take the game on, and when confidence goes inevitably fear starts to creep in.
“We were talking about it at half time that we were almost scared to make mistakes and scared to move the ball forward,” Galekovic said.
“Players didn-t want to make mistakes, players were more comfortable playing that easy ball instead of that ball that maybe could create something and it-s definitely low on confidence when that stuff starts to happen.”
Anchored in ninth spot and now only one point ahead of Gold Coast, Galekovic believes there is no special formula that is going to resurrect the Reds- season, the only option and answer is the simplest one.
“It-s frustrating for everyone…the players just have to work hard and that-s the only thing we can do right now,” Galekovic said.
“We know we-re in a slump and there are a lot of things we-ve got to work on and we-ve just got to get better.”
“We need to start winning to get that confidence back and it-s easy to say, but it just comes with hard work.”
