Adelaide United boss Gertjan Verbeek says he was pleased with the reaction from his players after snapping a four-game losing streak.
The Reds fought hard to secure a 1-0 win over fierce rivals Melbourne Victory at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.
Verbeek applauded his side’s intensity and attitude from the outset, and was particularly impressed with the first-half performance.
“Not only the win but also the way we got the three points,” he told reporters in the post-match press conference.
“The way we played from the first minute to the last minute as a team. In the first-half complete control in the game I think.
“Very aggressive, high pressure, high tempo, a lot of times down the left side.
“They had a little bit of a different system than under the former coach (Marco Kurz).
“But we solved it ourselves and that was very good from the team and we made a good goal and we had more opportunities.
“Then you go into the second-half and you know they will come because they’re 1-0 behind.”
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The Dutchman added that United defended with a lot of energy in the second stanza but was left annoyed with the number of chances the Reds conceded and their ineffectiveness on the counter-attack.
Verbeek praised Paul Izzo for maintaining the clean sheet after pulling off several key saves to ensure Ben Halloran’s 32nd minute goal would prove the winner.
Verbeek hoped this result could get their season back on track as they climb back into the top six with 18 points.
He said Adelaide can match any side in the Hyundai A-League, but conversely fall short if they are not playing at their best.
“I’ve said already for a few weeks, we can beat every team but we can also lose against every team,” he continued.
“When the belief is like this and the intensity and how they go into the game until the end then you’ve a good chance to win games.”
Adelaide United face Western United in Round 16 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Sunday, 26 January at Whitten Oval. Kick-off is at 5.30pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
