At his press conference on Thursday, Marco Kurz discussed Adelaide United’s areas for improvement and the challenges they face against Sydney FC on Friday night.
The Reds take on the Sky Blues at Leichhardt Oval, looking to snap a winless run of three matches while at the same time consolidate their top-four status.
But Adelaide will need to be at their disciplined and resolute best against a side situated in second place on the table.
United have not tasted success in the league against Sydney in their previous eight games, but they are unbeaten in four consecutive away matches.
Kurz outlined some of the hosts’ strongest attributes.
“We know they’ve a very good offensive line,” Kurz told reporters.
“They brought a strong striker in in the (January) transfer window (Reza Ghoochannejhad), and we’ve to control their offensive players.
“(Adam) le Fondre, the new striker, (Milos) Ninkovic as well. And also the offensive full-backs, they’re always jumping in the offensive phase.
“But if you control them and play disciplined and finish your counter chances, then you’ll have a good chance to get a result there and that’s our aim.”
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After the Reds’ 0-0 draw with Newcastle Jets last weekend, the German boss said his team will need to improve from an attacking standpoint.
Adelaide have struggled to find the back of the net on a consistent basis and Kurz stated that was the main discussion this week.
“We always do video analysis after our games and against Newcastle it was no different,” he said.
“I think we saw that we had a lot of good chances, but we didn’t score and that is one of the improvements (we need) for the next game.
“We must find an easier way to finish and must finish to score goals and that’s very important and that was the topic of the analysis.”
Kurz was also asked to give his opinion on the strike partnership of Jordy Thomassen and George Blackwood.
In the preceding three games the latter has played just in behind the Dutchman, predominantly operating as a second striker.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund defender believed more time was needed for the combination to flourish, despite seeing some encouraging link-up play.
“I think it needs time of course, because they’ve played two or three times together,” he said.
“To find the rhythm together in this partnership needs time, but I saw a couple of good chances in the last game for me which are important.
“Now we must find the right solution in the right situation and I’m positive that we can score goals in the next games.”
Adelaide United face Sydney FC in Round 21 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Friday, 1 March at Leichardt Oval. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT. Live on Fox Sports, and streamed on the My Football Live App and Kayo Sports.
