Despite Adelaide United failing to convert their chances into goals at the weekend, Ben Garuccio is optimistic his side’s fortunes in attack will change versus Perth Glory.
Marco Kurz’s undermanned side suffered their first competitive loss of the season – a 2-0 home defeat to Melbourne City on Saturday – but the defender is confident the Reds can bounce back.
Garuccio said despite the loss and missing a host of chances he was encouraged by the overall performance and stated morale within the squad remains strong.
“It’s been the same (the mood),” he said.
“It was a two-nil loss but it didn’t really feel like a two-nil loss, we had a lot of joy in the game and we created a lot of chances.
“We probably could’ve been more clinical in front of goal at times, but the whole team played really well.
“We had a couple of young boys out there and I think players like Benny (Ben) Warland, he’s really growing with games.
“So it’s positive signs and hopefully we get back on the winners’ list this week.”
Regardless of the result, Garuccio praised the atmosphere generated at Coopers Stadium, after 11,689 supporters filled the terraces.
He was also delighted to return to the venue for the first time this term.
“It felt like a lot more to be honest,” he said when discussing the attendance.
“It was really good to be back at Coopers, I think you could see some of the boys playing in front of the home crowd again.
“It’s just exciting, it’s so much better than playing away… It’s a great stadium to play at, the fans are so close and it was a great turnout.”
Meanwhile, the Glory have collected four points from as many matches and most recently experiencing a 2-0 setback to Sydney FC.
The 22-year-old is expecting a tough game, highlighting their potent attack, though stressed the Reds will be looking to clinch the three points.
“Perth are a good team and have got great players up top and we have to be very careful of that,” he said.
“We want to win and take points away from these teams, so that’s what we have to be doing.”
Garuccio also said the team’s ability to create an abundance of chances has been one of the biggest improvements under Head Coach, Kurz, to start the season.
Only Sydney have fired more shots at goal than the Reds from the opening four matches this campaign.
“I think we are just creating a lot more opportunities,” he explained.
“I think the attacking players that have come in are doing really well.
“Nikola (Mileusnic) is getting more game time, Johan (Absalonsen) has been really, really dangerous and once George (Blackwood) starts firing as well we are going to be really hard to stop.
“Sometimes it just takes one goal to get off the mark and then you’re flying, so it would be good to see George off the mark and we’ll be a really tough team to stop going forward.
“We have got a lot of pace, we can get in behind and we are going to be dangerous.”
Adelaide United will face Perth Glory in Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Saturday, 4 November at nib Stadium. Kick-off is at 9.30pm ACDT.
