Adelaide United coach Josep Gombau is unconcerned by the physical toll successive five-day turnarounds could have on his team after Sunday’s cracking 2-0 triumph over Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium.
The Reds made the previously unconquered Glory look second-rate, just five days after United took 120 minutes to down Sydney FC in extra time Tuesday’s FFA Cup fixture, and five days ahead of this Friday night’s clash with Melbourne City at AAMI Park.
Gombau will be adjusting Adelaide’s track work accordingly but doesn’t fear another short break.
“We played on Tuesday and we played today (Sunday) – that’s five days,” Gombau said.
“Now this is five days also.
“Even Sydney played after (a three-day turnaround) and they had a very good game (beat Brisbane Roar 2-0).
“We will reduce the training and (concentrate) more (on) speed and movements and don’t make it physical.
“I’m not worried because five days is enough.”
The Reds showed no obvious signs of fatigue as they set and maintained a fierce pace against Perth.
Sergio Cirio’s 18th-minute goal – set up by a delicious Marcelo Carrusca through ball – kickstarted Adelaide’s powerful performance.
Cirio now has two goals in his last two starts and is playing as well as anybody in the competition.
“He’s doing very well,” Gombau said.
“Cirio is a hard worker and he’s bringing to us a lot of things.
“We’re using him as a 7, 9, 10, 11 … you can use him in every single position in front.
“You know he will bring 100 percent.”
United sparkled in the midfield and looked dangerous in attack en route to one of the more impressive displays in Gombau’s tenure which has already led to grand final talk doing the rounds.
But the Spanish-born mentor is cautious of thinking too far ahead.
“I am happy with the way we played (but) it’s three games only; there are 24 more,” Gombau said.
“I don’t want the players to think we are playing very well and after the next game it’s not this standard.
“Be careful … sometimes if you think you are playing well, you go into the next game and lose.”
