At his pre-match press conference Adelaide United Head Coach, Marco Kurz, discussed the Reds’ latest arrival while anticipating another tight contest with Brisbane Roar.
The Reds return to action on Saturday night at Coopers Stadium, keen to build on from last weekend’s dramatic 2-1 win over Central Coast Mariners.
Following the loan signing of Jordy Thomassen from Eredivisie club, De Graafschap, Kurz discussed what the 25-year-old striker will bring to United.
Kurz admitted he was pleased with the addition and revealed Thomassen will offer a different dimension to the team going forward.
“It’s a different player, he’s a tall player, a young boy who’s hungry and looks good in shape,” Kurz told reporters.
“And we’re happy that we signed him and will give him a realistic chance to perform for us and I think it’s good to know we’ve a new player in with another style of play.”
Get to know more about our new signing, Jordy Thomassen! #AUFC
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— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) February 1, 2019
However, Kurz stopped short of confirming whether the Dutch striker will be available for selection for Saturday night’s match.
“He trained today for the first time with the team,” he explained.
“Normally the day before a game is always a lesser session – not so high in intensity – but he looks good in shape.
“We did yesterday and today some testing and also tomorrow as well, and then I’ll see how fit he is.
“But he comes from the Netherlands out of full training, and although this season he hasn’t played a lot of minutes; the years before he played a lot with no injuries.
“Next week we have four or five sessions to decide exactly how fit he is but so far he looks fit.”
The German added that his signing increases the competition for places in the attacking third.
Though Kurz confessed he would not receive any special treatment and only warrant a place in the starting 11 on merit.
“He must fight for his position as well that’s very important for me,” he said.
“And it’s always good to know that we now have more competition in the striker position and nobody can have a rest and every player has to perform in each training the best they can do.”
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On the game itself, Kurz warned that irrespective of the Roar’s position on the table they have a strong squad, stating his side must be prepared for another physical game.
Thomas Kristensen has been promoted while, Matt McKay, Jacob Pepper and Eric Bautheac all return from suspension.
“For me Brisbane has a good squad,” he stated.
“I think they’ll come with their strongest line-up they can bring on the pitch.
“For me it’s a good team and it’s a big warning because they can perform well.
“… It’s not good to look at the ladder because for us it’s good to focus on our performance and when we played against them at home it was a hard game and in the end not too easy to win.”
The former Borussia Dortmund defender also confirmed that Mirko Boland is a chance to feature tomorrow night, highlighting his value to the team.
“He’s ready, he’s back and he comes back after a long injury and that means he’s back in the squad,” he said.
“And I hope he can perform step-by-step well to come back to his old level but it’s good to know he’s back.
“Boland for us is a very important player and a very aggressive midfielder.”
Adelaide United host Brisbane Roar in Round 17 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Saturday, 2 February at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT. Gates open 6.20pm.
