Marco Kurz believes his side’s inability to take their chances was the only thing missing from an otherwise spirited Adelaide United performance against Melbourne City.
The undermanned Reds fell two goals behind in the opening quarter of an hour at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night, courtesy of a Ross McCormack brace.
Kurz addressed the team’s slow start to the match after conceding twice within the space of five minutes.
The Reds have trailed early in each of their four league games to start the season, but Kurz dismissed suggestions it was due to players suffering from anxiety.
Our recent unbeaten run comes to an end. We go back to work for Round 5 in Perth. #AUFC #ForeverUnited
📰 Report: https://t.co/xnmUbJt8OZ pic.twitter.com/2XbMb6O5dh
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 28, 2017
“I think it’s not (the players being) anxious,” he said. “I think we start not bad, but in this moment we didn’t make the right decision and then it’s a penalty.
“And when you stay back after fifteen minutes at home against this team.
“We know about the big quality of City they’ve played well to begin the season, then it’s hard but we came back and then we played.
“I think in the second-half only one team played, but we didn’t score a goal and then we have no chance for a draw or a win.”
But the Reds were an improved outfit following McCormack’s penalty and free-kick, dominating proceedings for the rest of the match.
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— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 28, 2017
However, Kurz said his side’s wastefulness in front of goal prevented any chance of a comeback.
“I think we came back into the game,” he said.
“We made a good possession game and after the half-time, the only mistake we made was not scoring a goal.
“I think we had a lot of chances, Niko (Nikola Mileusnic) two big chances and also in the first-half from set pieces, three big chances – Ben Warland two times and also I think Blackwood.”
With the Reds missing a total of six senior players for the clash through injury, Kurz was proud with how the younger boys in the squad acquitted themselves.
“For me it’s good that the young players play in this game and they get experience,” he continued.
“It’s very good and I saw us on the right way, on a positive way, I’m not negative and the boys, the whole group fight and played well in the second-half.”
The German was also impressed with the atmosphere generated by the fans at Coopers Stadium, in what was his first official match at the venue.
Adelaide United will face Perth Glory in Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Saturday, 4 November at nib Stadium. Kick-off is at 9.30pm ACDT.
