Adelaide United will be determined to put behind their recent inconsistent form and get their season back on track with a complete performance against the Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night.
The Reds have been rather lacklustre in their past three matches which has coincided with just one win from those games.
Gertjan Verbeek suggested his side’s mentality and approach must improve following a 2-1 defeat to Central Coast Mariners last Sunday.
And at Thursday’s pre-match press conference at Coopers Stadium, the Dutchman reiterated that message.
“It’s all about going to start with the mindset,” Verbeek explained to reporters.
“If you go to Central Coast, who’s on the bottom of the league and you’ve the chance to get third – that’s not for nothing.
“So how will you start in the game, will you start as the reactive team or an inactive team, even if it’s a game away.
A couple of returns for tomorrow night. #AUFC #ADLvWSWhttps://t.co/UH4ow9a74U
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) December 26, 2019
“You’ve to show them you’re better because they don’t have a lot of confidence I think when you’re bottom and lose every game.
“And when you start and let them believe there’s something in it for them, they get motivated and they get better and better, and you get worse – so it starts with the mindset.”
The Wanderers snapped a five-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Western United after being denied the victory with just minutes away from full-time.
Verbeek believed their recent struggles does not tell the full story, and expected a desperate Wanderers outfit.
“They’ve also had a hard time,” he said.
“They started very well in the season and then they start losing games. I think they’ve a good team.
“They’ve been a little bit unlucky in the last few games, but it’s also about the mindset – how long do you believe that you’re as good as it seems to be.
“You need only one game to perform well again to get the confidence back so for them also… So I think they will come here to get three points.”
The boss also confirmed Paul Izzo and George Blackwood are back from injury, but ruled out Riley McGree and Kristian Opseth for the clash as they continue their recovery from respective complaints on the sidelines.
Adelaide United host Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 12 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Friday, 27 December at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Gates open at 6.00pm. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
