Jon McKain did not shy away from admitting the Reds’ display in the loss to Sydney FC was well below par.
A disgruntled Jon McKain did not shy away from admitting the team-s display in the disappointing loss to Sydney FC was well below par.
Sitting alongside Coach Rini Coolen for the post match media conference, the disappointment and the sense that McKain hates to lose could be clearly seen on his face.
When asked to reflect on the Reds- performance, the Adelaide captain did not try to sugar coat the answer or provide any excuses, rather accepting the blame on behalf of the playing group that it was not acceptable.
“To be honest I thought it was rubbish from start to finish, it-s that simple,” McKain said.
“We didn-t follow the plan that Rini wanted us to follow early on and we got ourselves into a bit of a hole and couldn-t get out.”
“There are no excuses, Sydney deserved the three points and we-ve got a lot of work to do.”
It has been a rollercoaster first three weeks for the Reds. A mediocre performance in a season opening defeat to Perth Glory was followed by a rousing 1-nil home win over arch nemesis Melbourne Victory, but then it was another step backwards against Sydney FC.
Throughout the week leading into the match with the Sky Blues, the emphasis from the Reds camp was about taking in the same level of intensity and endeavour that was prevalent in the victory over Melbourne. However, when the final whistle sounded on Saturday, the form line had taken another dive.
McKain is fully aware the Reds must work hard on ending this ‘up one week, down one week- trend and proving that it can match it with the best sides in the league. Coming off Saturday-s result, it almost seems fitting that the Reds- chance to redeem themselves comes in an away trip to Suncorp Stadium to face the benchmark and reigning champions of the competition, Brisbane Roar.
“We need a bit of consistency. It-s not good enough to play one week decently and the next week poorly, so come Monday we look forward, we look to Brisbane and we have to try and take some positives out of this game and move on because it was a very poor performance.”
