Marco Kurz says Adelaide United must be wary of Newcastle Jets’ attacking prowess in Friday night’s massive clash at Coopers Stadium.
The Reds come into the match looking to build on its 1-1 draw with Sydney FC last time out with a win ahead of Tuesday night’s FFA Cup 2018 Final.
And the hosts have another tough test, this time against a dynamic Jets side who suffered a surprise 2-1 loss to Wellington Phoenix.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Kurz praised Newcastle’s playing style and implored fans to pack out Coopers Stadium and help support the team.
“Newcastle is also maybe the best offensive team in the league,” Kurz told reporters.
“They’ve very quick players, very fast players with technical high quality. They need maybe one or two touches and they make extremely good runs between the back-four lines.
“And also I hope tomorrow the weather is fine and that the crowd is big and strong because we need each supporter with a loud voice to support us.”
The German said his side must employ a high-pressing game, when they do not have the ball, to curtail the Jets’ offensive style and disrupt their rhythm.
However, the ex-Schalke defender maintained they will have to pick their moments as it is not possible to press for the whole 90 minutes.
Cosy on up to the @FFACup for a photo from 6:30pm to 7:00pm in the brand new Fan Village tomorrow night! #AUFC #FFACup
🎟️ Tickets: https://t.co/LmUEtHIY7n pic.twitter.com/jcamXE0LBq
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 25, 2018
“Newcastle is a strong team, they finished last year in second place,” he said.
“They’ve a lot of high quality in the offence, a lot of movements and not really a clear position with their offensive players with Dimitri Petratos and Ronald Vargas, who is now fit after his long injury.
“I think against Newcastle it’s very important to close the centre (of the field), and to stay very compact and in this space you don’t allow them to play.
“It’s always important to be active and not reactive in a game and we will press them, but you cannot press for the entire ninety minutes.”
The German was also keeping his cards close to his chest in regards to the starting line-up but did confirm strikers, Baba Diawara and George Blackwood, have been included in the extended 18-man squad list.
Reds winger, Nikola Mileusnić, is also selected, bolstering United’s forward options.
“They trained full with the team, we must wait for the reaction after training,” he said.
“But when everyone is okay and well both players are in the squad tomorrow.”
Adelaide United host Newcastle Jets in Round 2 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Friday, 26 October at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports and the My Football Live App.
