Club Captain Eugene Galekovic admits Adelaide United’s disappointing loss to Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium was unacceptable, but stressed the only way is up.
Adelaide remain at the foot of the Hyundai A-League ladder on 11 points in what has been a frustrating campaign for the players, coaches and supporters.
Galekovic, who is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, stated it was “tough to watch” the Reds suffer their heaviest defeat of the season.
“It was tough, when you’re in the stands you can’t really do anything about it, so it was tough to see the boys go through it,” Galekovic said.
“It was tough to watch and we just have to try and regroup and go against this week (against Newcastle).
“It’s disappointing even away if you lose 5-0, it’s not acceptable but to cop five goals at home it’s not acceptable.
“There were a lot of young boys on the pitch, there’s no excuses, but anyone who takes the pitch has to try to perform and do the best they can.”
However, the 35-year-old Club icon stressed all the squad can do now is shift their attention to Friday night’s home clash with Newcastle Jets and compete for the entire 90 minutes.
“It’s tough, we’re on the paddock today and all week and we’ll prepare for Newcastle,” Galekovic revealed.
“One thing that we’ll give is 100 per cent and the effort will be there.
“I can’t guarantee results, but I can guarantee the boys will fight until the end.”
While qualifying for the top six appears slim for the Reds, Galekovic is optimistic there is still plenty to play for, especially with the 2017 AFC Champions League group stage commencing next week.
“There’s a lot of things we can do to improve, we’re not going well and last on the ladder,” he continued.
“There’s a lot of things to improve to get to where we want, there’s eight games to go as well as the ACL (Asian Champions League).
“I think there’s a lot of little things we’ve to do right for results to come.
“We’re doing everything in our power to try and make that happen, it’s about working hard and fighting for each other.”
Galekovic also took time to discuss his injured shoulder and hopes to be back on the field as soon as possible.
“It’s improving, it’s getting better, it was obviously sore when I did it,” he said.
“But the main thing is it’s improving, so hopefully I’m not too far away (from returning).
“It’s a unique injury so the physio doesn’t want to put a timeframe on it.
“I’m hoping to comeback in a few weeks, we’ll see how it goes.”
Adelaide United host Newcastle Jets in Round 20 of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season on Friday, 17 February at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
