Michael Marrone is bullish Adelaide United can break its current three-match losing against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Thursday night.
The Reds went down 2-1 to Newcastle Jets on Saturday as two goals either side of half-time from Ben Kantarovski and Andrew Nabbout rendered Nikola Mileusnic’s opener inconsequential.
Marrone said he was encouraged by United’s start to the match, but lamented his side throwing away an early lead.
Mileusnic’s clinical finish in the 24th minute was the first time Adelaide had begun a league game in front this season.
“There was a lot of positives in the game as well,” he said.
“In the first thirty to thirty-five minutes I think we dominated and we were in control of the ball.
“And even when we weren’t, we were pressing them, we won the ball up high and caused them problems.
“And of course we had a period where we lost control and then once you’re chasing the game it’s always going to be difficult.”
After capitalising on a mistake to take the advantage, Newcastle squandered several chances to put themselves further ahead.
The boss is open book following our match tonight. #ADLvNEW #RemembranceRound #AUFC #ForeverUnited pic.twitter.com/CVMWIzQ8Zv
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 11, 2017
Marrone revealed Kurz was extremely disappointed with the lack of discipline to remain structured, particularly following the re-start.
“We had the meeting after the game and he wasn’t happy with some of the things we did especially in the second-half,” he said.
“I think we lost our structure a little bit too easy and we probably chased the game a bit.
“I think it’s important he wanted to stress that even when we are chasing the game we still need to stick to our basics of the structure and the way he wants us to play.
“And I think we probably strayed from that and that’s one of the reasons why he was unhappy.”
Marrone also added he was frustrated by the way in which the Reds invited the visitors back into proceedings after dominating the opening 35 minutes.
“Either side of half-time I thought we were pretty poor,” he said.
“We let them in too easy, and they were simple mistakes – from a set piece again then the second one a mistake.
“It’s not ideal when the team is trying to build confidence but it is what it is and we are looking forward to Thursday now.”
Adelaide now has a short turnaround for their clash with the Mariners on Thursday evening.
The reliable right-back admitted he was impressed with the manner in which Paul Okon’s side convincingly beat Sydney FC 2-0 on Friday.
“Their game was very solid, they pressed well and did a lot of things right,” he said
“And again like all teams in the A-League now there’s no easy games at all, they’ll be hard to beat.”
Adelaide United will face Central Coast Mariners in Round 7 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Thursday, 16 November at Central Coast Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
