Marco Kurz believes Melbourne City pose a real threat given their ability to play a number of different formations.
Adelaide United host City at Coopers Stadium on Sunday night, looking to bounce back with a win after last week’s defeat against Melbourne Victory.
Just one point separates the two sides in the league standings with Adelaide currently in fourth place on 11 points while, the visitors have 10 points and are situated in fifth spot.
Kurz said his team are fully prepared for the intriguing encounter following training at Coopers Stadium on Saturday morning.
“Training was good today,” Kurz told reporters in the pre-match press conference.
“I think we like to have our last training session at Coopers Stadium (before a game).
“It’s always good for us to get a feeling of the next day.”
☑️ Full pitch
☑️ Heightened security
☑️ Multiple access pointsImportant info regarding our @Hit107 Kick on the Pitch this Sunday! 👇
📰 Read more: https://t.co/a22bXuimLJ pic.twitter.com/md6tkxt2z3
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) December 14, 2018
City have endured an inconsistent start to the season, and suffered a 1-0 loss last round against Perth Glory.
City Head Coach, Warren Joyce, has again excluded Uruguayan talisman, Bruno Fornaroli, from the matchday squad for a fourth straight game.
However, despite his omission, Kurz insisted they remain a very dangerous outfit.
“For me Melbourne City has maybe the strongest squad in the league,” he warned.
“If they feel comfortable they can play a fantastic possessional game, they’ve a lot of alternatives.
“You don’t know which line-up they will start tomorrow, they’ve the quality to put their number one striker, (Bruno) Fornaroli, out of the squad – that shows their quality.
“But I think if we play well, if we believe, if we press them in the right moments, if we cause them a lot of problems, if we create chances, and go in front with a goal then we have a good chance for the three points.”
This Sunday on game day only! ⚽ For those of us who haven't even started our Christmas shopping yet. 😂🎅
🎟 Tickets: https://t.co/3bwNLx27K6 pic.twitter.com/aIR0RVRkDQ
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) December 14, 2018
The German went on to declare, Ken Ilsø and Ryan Kitto, are fit for the clash in what is a welcomed boost for the Reds.
“They’re both in the squad (Ken Ilsø and Ryan Kitto),” he revealed.
“Kenny (Ken Ilsø) trained the whole week with the group and it’s good to know he’s back and it’s good (Ryan) Kitto is back… and we need offensive power in our squad and it’s good to know both are back.”
Kurz also revealed, George Blackwood will play with the Club’s Youth Team in a friendly against West Torrens Birkalla on Saturday night as he continues his recovery from a broken collarbone.
“George (Blackwood) is not in the squad but he will play in a friendly game tonight with the Youth Team,” he stated.
“And for me it’s important George has some match fitness and the reason is easy because in January we have a massive program of games.
“I think seven games in 29 days, every four days is a game, and we need the whole squad and a fit squad.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne City in Round 8 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Sunday, 16 December at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 6.30pm ACDT. Gates open 5.30pm. Don’t forget to bring your ball for kick on the pitch after the game!
