Marco Kurz described Adelaide United’s 3-0 win over Perth Glory as “very important” after missing several first-choice players absent through international duty.
Adelaide’s depth was always going to be tested with Paul Izzo, Ben Garuccio and George Blackwood away with the Olyroos for the Friday night clash at nib Stadium.
But the Reds passed with flying colours, recording their biggest away triumph over Perth since the league’s inception in 2005.
Daniel Adlung opened the scoring with a fantastic side-footed finish, while Nathan Konstandopoulos and Johan Absalonsen etched their names on the scoresheet with clinically taken goals.
Kurz was thrilled with his players’ comprehensive performance.
“I think it’s a good result, three-nil away in Perth,” he said in the post-match press conference.
“It’s not easy to play here and we are very happy.
“We had big problems because we lost three starters for the U-23 tournament and it was not so easy to find the right line-up.
“But the boys did a good job and I think the win and the victory was important.
“Also we played very seriously and very controlled and waited for the right moment.”
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The German went on to add he was pleased to see Absalonsen make another impressive outing after coming on at half-time.
The 32-year-old was instrumental, assisting Konstandopoulos before netting a goal of his own five minutes from time.
“I’m very happy with the comeback of Johan,” he said.
“He scored and prepared a goal and that’s very important because we missed him for a long time.”
Kurz said it was crucial his side scored two late goals to diminish any chance of a Glory fightback.
“I’m happy with the goals,” he said.
“I think after the first goal we had ten minutes of problems, we dropped too much back and Perth had two good moments.
“But the rest of the game we had the control and then it’s important to score the second and the third goal.
“Because when you score only one goal maybe in the last minute, a corner kick or free-kick you have a problem.”
Kurz praised young goalkeeper, Daniel Margush, who made his first appearance of the season, having not played since April last year.
“It’s not too easy to come in halfway during the season,” he said.
“But I think he did well and also the whole team helped him with good defensive work.
“He’s calm, he made the right decisions, he switched the sides with the left and right foot, so compliments.”
The Reds must now quickly recuperate ahead of Wednesday night’s away trip to face the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Kurz expected another tough game against a team finding some form.
“I think when you see the table both teams are very close,” he said.
“Every game is important and every game is very close and you must perform in every one hundred per cent to get points.
“We know that it’s very difficult to play in Western Sydney, they’re in a good moment with two wins in a row and it’s a good team.
“But we are also a good team, we are Adelaide United and we believe in our quality and on Wednesday we travel to Sydney to get three points.”
Adelaide United will face Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 15 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Wednesday, 10 January at ANZ Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
