Marco Kurz says he hopes Adelaide United’s performance against Brisbane Roar on ANZAC Day serves as a timely warning ahead of the impending Finals Series.
The Reds won a 5-3 thriller to sweep their Queensland rivals for the first time since the Hyundai A-League’s inception.
However, they lacked structure in a match where they conceded soft goals, and it is something Kurz warned they would need to address in preparation for their home Elimination Final next Sunday.
Kurz admitted he was pleased Adelaide managed to win the game as it was essential in securing fourth place, but lamented the way the team played from a tactical perspective.
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“The result is maybe fantastic because now we’ve a home final,” he told Fox Sports after the game.
“But the way we played after the first goal was not what I want.
“But I hope it was a warning for the Elimination Final.”
The German said he was unsure why the team experienced lapses in concentration after initially taking the lead through Nikola Mileusnić’s header.
After trailing 2-1 at the break, George Blackwood levelled proceedings largely thanks to Craig Goodwin’s exceptional wing play.
But the Reds fell behind again when the hosts converted a penalty.
“It was not easy to play here against Brisbane,” he said.
“They stayed very deep and waited for mistakes and we missed our ball speed and we missed our movements.
“Maybe we felt a little too confident I don’t know but it’s part of the discussion with the team.
“We found a way to turnaround the game and in the end I’m happy because some players came back with Baba and Elsey.
“And that was very important to have a view for these players if they’re an option next week or not.”
Kurz was particularly proud with the leaders in the team as Goodwin and Isaías stepped up late in the game.
Goodwin made it 3-3 after executing a sublime first touch before cutting inside and unleashing his thumping drive into the top corner.
Baba Diawara then scored what proved to be the winner five minutes later on 76 minutes, while Isaías added some insurance late on with a curling effort into the far corner.
“The finishing from Goodwin and his preparing of goals, he can make the difference,” he said.
“He did it in the second-half, in the first-half not really.
“But Isaías is for us the face of the team, of the Club and Isaías is a fantastic player and all of us can be proud that he’s the Captain of Adelaide.”
