Playing at a high tempo will be key to penetrating a compact Brisbane Roar outfit, according to Adelaide United Head Coach, Gertjan Verbeek.
The Reds host Brisbane in the Remembrance Round clash at Coopers Stadium on Sunday, in what is predicted to be a fascinating encounter.
Adelaide have won their previous three matches against the Roar, scoring a prolific 11 goals during that stretch.
However, this season Brisbane have been a more resolute side defensively under new boss, Robbie Fowler.
In their three games they have managed two draws and a loss, conceding just two goals but have found the net only once.
Yep. Pretty epic set of games.
🎟️ Tickets: https://t.co/oGAepeo4SY#AUFC #ADLvBRI #RemembranceRound pic.twitter.com/z4E7ZzkpIS
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 8, 2019
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Verbeek, highlighted some of the challenges his side will have to contend with against the disciplined Queensland side.
“The opponents have a style of football that’s very difficult to create chances,” he explained.
“If you see the last two games of Brisbane you see Melbourne Victory had four chances, two times on transition and Western Sydney only had two chances.
“So they defend very well with a lot of people behind the ball and very quickly they can come out.
“When they have the ball they can also play possession for a long time.
“So I hope we find the solution to break the wall and score goals.”
Adelaide showed immense character to secure a 2-1 comeback win against Newcastle Jets in their most recent outing a fortnight ago.
Meanwhile, Brisbane played out a goalless draw against Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend.
Verbeek said given Brisbane will be tough to break down they must be dynamic and move the ball with purpose to open up Brisbane.
However, equally, the Dutchman warned his side cannot afford to throw too many numbers forward and leave themselves susceptible in transition.
“They play in defence a 5-4-1, and very close to the goalkeeper,” he continued.
“So sometimes the one striker is even behind the half-way line.
“There’s very little space as you’ve to move a lot and play a very dynamic game, and you’ve to watch out that you don’t get too many players forward of the ball.
“Because when you lose the ball you’re very vulnerable because there’s a lot of space in the back.
“… So we’ve to be very focused and very disciplined and the ball has to go around from left to right at a high tempo.”
Verbeek said it was extremely important for fans to show their support tomorrow as it not only spurs the boys on but makes it a hostile place for visiting teams.
“When the atmosphere is good and it was good against Melbourne City for the FFA Cup, it generates more energy for the players,” he said.
“They keep on going and you saw it at home against Sydney when we were down 2-0 we came back 2-1, 2-2 and even with ten men the support was fantastic and almost we got one point against a good team with 10 men.”
Adelaide United host Brisbane Roar in Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Sunday, 10 November at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.30pm ACDT. Gates open at 2.30pm for curtain raiser between AUFC Legends and ADF. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
