Marco Kurz suggested he was left more frustrated rather than disappointed after Adelaide United’s 0-0 draw against Wellington Phoenix.
The Reds had the ascendancy for the majority of the game and were favourites to grab all three points when Phoenix’s Mandi was dismissed with the help of the VAR.
However, they had to settle for a point despite their relentless pressure late on in the game.
Kurz said his side failed to adequately assert their dominance to begin proceedings, though thought they improved drastically after the break.
He felt that his team needed to stamp their authority early being the home team.
“I think if you play at home and you’ve the big chance to beat the opponent I think we missed a little bit of our confidence in the first-half,” Kurz said in the post-match press conference.
“To show them that it’s our home ground.
“Our goal was to press them high and not drop back.
“We had the control in the game but show the opponent that this is Coopers Stadium and they can come and fly back without points.
“But the second-half was much better, from the first minute we played with a lot of pressure, we created also with eleven against eleven a couple of good moments.
“In the end you need in the box a killer instinct.”
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The German admitted the ‘Nix only really played for a point but praised their defensive effort.
“… But it’s not easy to play against Wellington,” he added.
“They set up a very defensive line up and they came here to defend, to wait for maybe one or two counters.
“And that means you must have really good rest defending and we had that.
“I’m not disappointed but to show them that we’re Adelaide United and that they should have no chance here.”
With Adelaide’s match against Wellington their third in 11 days, Kurz believed his squad remain in good shape.
And they will need to be ahead of the busy January schedule which continues on Wednesday night against fierce rivals, Melbourne Victory.
Kurz said he will not hesitate to make changes to his squad to avoid player fatigue and ensure everyone is performing at their optimal level.
“I think they’re very good,” he said.
“But it’s now up to me to have a look everyday how fresh each player is and make changes for example.
“Today I made hard decisions to sit players on the bench or to sit players in the stand.
“We have a good group, and if I have the feeling to make changes I will.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory in Round 12 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Wednesday, 9 January at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT. Gates open 5.50pm.
