Marco Kurz says his Adelaide United players are fit and raring to go against Western Sydney Wanderers at Coopers Stadium on Sunday night.
The Reds will be looking to bounce back from Tuesday’s Westfield FFA Cup Final defeat to Sydney FC when they welcome former United boss Josep Gombau’s Wanderers.
But despite that Cup defeat, Adelaide did secure a last-gasp triumph over the Central Coast Mariners in their previous league match and will be aiming to string back-to-back wins in the competition for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, Western Sydney had their home match against Wellington postponed due to the pitch condition at Spotless Stadium.
Kurz said his side have recovered mentally from the Cup Final loss and are fully focussed on claiming the three points.
“I think today (in training) they looked fresh and the attitude was good,” Kurz said.
“Two days before they were tired and disappointed which is normal after a big game we lost.”
Despite the setback, Kurz on reflection admitted from an overall assessment his team are still on the right track for enjoying a successful season.
“I think it’s a process, a process when I came to Adelaide with the Club,” he said.
“We brought a lot of new players to the Club, a new style and I know we need time.
“After the Cup Final we were disappointed but with the view about the whole, about the process.
“And I think we are on the right way, we played well against Sydney with the chance to reach the penalty shoot-out but you need luck.
“But the heads are up and we are looking forward.”
Both Adelaide and the Wanderers currently have a total of eight points and lie in six and fifth respectively in the league standings, with WSW having a game in hand.
Kurz insisted it was crucial to record consecutive league victories in order to build some momentum and climb further up the ladder.
“It’s very important when you see the ladder, it’s very close,” he explained.
“Tomorrow it’s maybe an important game to push up (higher on the table) or (you could) drop a little bit back.
“It’s two teams that stay close together and that’s very important.
“Every game is important and I know that we have had a hard week.
“We had two hard games before and tomorrow maybe it’s very strong and very hard game for us, but the team is ready, the spirit is good.”
.@aufc_YouthTeam's Louis D'Arrigo joins @TheMasterBucks in our latest #FIFA18 preview! #AUFC #ADLvWSW
🎟️ Tickets: https://t.co/XOgzI5eJL1 pic.twitter.com/Sf2901WVwb
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 23, 2017
Kurz revealed he has also spoken to Isaías and Assistant Coach, Jacobo Ramallo, for any inside knowledge about the playing philosophy, Gombau likes to implement.
The pair were brought over during Gombau’s time in charge with the Reds between 2013 and 2015.
However, the German added it was up to his side to play to their potential.
“I think it’s important what we will do tomorrow,” he said.
“The opposition, it’s good to know and also good to prepare our team but if you win a game you must be better than Western Sydney and that’s our goal tomorrow.
“That our idea, our style, our performance is better to have a chance to win the game.”
Team news
Kurz will be without the suspended Michael Marrone, while Johan Absalonsen and Vince Lia remain ruled out but are edging closer to a return from respective injuries. Tarek Elrich (knee) and Taylor Regan (ankle) continue their recovery on the sidelines.
Last five meetings
2-2 draw @ Coopers Stadium
0-0 draw @ Spotless Stadium
1-2 loss @ Coopers Stadium
3-1 win @ Adelaide Oval
0-0 draw @ Parramatta Stadium
Adelaide United host Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 8 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Sunday, 26 November at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 6.30pm ACDT.
