Marco Kurz believes Adelaide United’s 1-0 loss to Sydney FC was a case of his side not taking their chances.
Bobo’s 45th minute finish for the ladder leading Sky Blues ultimately proved the difference at Coopers Stadium on Friday night, despite Adelaide dominating long periods of the clash.
The goal proved to be the sucker punch as it came against the run of play and on the stroke of half-time.
Kurz was encouraged by his team’s strong showing, however was disappointed with the team’s inability to convert their opportunities.
“I saw maybe our best first-half,” he told reporters in the post-match press conference.
“They had no chances and we built up well and played well, and in one second we are not awake enough and they score a goal.
“But I think we played against the best team in the league against the champion and that’s the difference now.
In just his second start, @RyanStrain5 has been voted by members as our Stillwell Hyundai Player of the match for Round 9! Ryan won the vote by just 0.88% from @isaias_sc8 #AUFC #ForeverUnited #ADLvSYD pic.twitter.com/johvBGvhNK
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) December 2, 2017
“We had chances with Niko (Nikola Mileusnic) for example and they had one chance and they scored a goal.
“Maybe that’s the reason Sydney is the winner, but the team is frustrated – that’s normal after a good game, a very good game.”
The German was also proud of the effort from his players during a gruelling period with the Reds having played three matches in the past 11 days.
Although Adelaide have suffered a fourth defeat of the campaign, Kurz remained optimistic insisting United are heading in the right direction.
“I think when we start a game we want to win… against every team we have a high respect,” he said.
“But I give my team the belief, the trust and the confidence in their quality.
“For example Sydney today had one player out, we missed four or five players.
“The result today is hard but I see us on the right way one hundred per cent.”
Adelaide United will face Melbourne Victory in Round 10 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Friday, 8 December at Etihad Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
