Adelaide United defender, Dylan McGowan, claims the Reds will continue battling as they attempt to keep their season alive, ahead of the Club’s Round 13 encounter with Wellington Phoenix on New Year’s Day.
The Reds endured a 0-4 defeat to Sydney FC on Boxing Day, as a relatively even first-half saw the visitors run rampant during a 15 minute period after the interval.
McGowan lamented his side’s performance, stressing the players and the coaching staff as a collective must swiftly find a solution to climb the league table.
“Obviously it’s not an easy (loss) to take,” McGowan said. “Although Sydney are doing really well, we’re a much better team than what we’re showing.
“It’s up to us and the coaches to work out what’s going wrong at the moment and to correct it as quick as possible.
“From a player’s point of view, you know when things are going wrong on the pitch and it’s just difficult to put a finger on what’s the exact area.
“I think we can improve on defence, midfield, and attack and I think all of those aspects need to go up a notch if we’re to start getting wins.”
McGowan rejected suggestions the Reds’ disappointing start to the season was attributed to a lack of effort, instead insisting United will continue “fighting” to turn the campaign around.
“It’s not down to a lack of character or fight.
“We’re here (the Adelaide United Training Centre) every day fighting and showing character and trying to get this Club out of the position it’s in,” McGowan said.
“We’ll keep fighting until it’s mathematically impossible for us to make the finals and, I’ve said all along, I still think we’ve got the squad to make the finals.
“If we get there (qualify for the top six) I still think we can do some damage.”
The 25-year-old also switched the focus to Adelaide’s upcoming away clash with Wellington, stating the squad will be doing everything it can to secure the victory.
“It’s a massive game, Wellington are a good side and especially the long trip over there makes it always hard,” McGowan continued.
“We’re a wounded animal at the moment and hopefully that pride that we have and the fact we’re champions, we go over there and we turn them over and get the three points.”
Adelaide United will face Wellington Phoenix in Round 13 of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season on Sunday, 1 January at Westpac Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.05pm ACDT.
