Marco Kurz has highlighted the importance of finishing the Hyundai A-League season strongly, starting with an away win over Brisbane Roar on Saturday night.
Adelaide United, fifth in the league standings, will be desperate to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing Original Rivalry defeat.
Kurz stressed his sole focus was achieving a finals berth this year, and a victory at Suncorp Stadium would consolidate their top six status.
“The next six games are very important we have a big game (this weekend),” he said.
“We want to reach the finals and we know that we need more points than what we have, that’s our concentration.”
The ex-Schalke 04 defender expected a tremendously difficult game as John Aloisi’s side are also chasing a top six place.
Brisbane currently lie in seventh – four points off the sixth-ranked Western Sydney Wanderers.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5741671141001
“For me it’s a very strong team with a lot of very experienced players,” he said.
“Unlike the first two games all their players are fit, all players are available and for me they’re in a good shape and they’re also fighting for points to reach the finals like us.
“I expect an extremely hard game and also with the temperature, I think it’s more humid.
“So for us it’s maybe more difficult than for Brisbane, but we are always looking forward and feel confident and are hungry for success.”
However, Kurz warned his Reds will need to learn from their errors made against the Roar back in Round 13 if they are to secure the three points.
“They’ve a very good offensive line with maybe the best or one of the best strikers in the league with (Massimo) Maccarone,” he continued.
“And we saw in the last round (meeting) we played well in the first 35 minutes, we controlled the whole game and with first mistake they scored a goal.
“And we know we must play very disciplined without mistakes and then I think we have a chance to get points from Brisbane.”
Adelaide United will face Brisbane Roar in Round 22 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Saturday, 3 March at Suncorp Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
