Gertjan Verbeek says despite their 2-1 loss to Sydney FC, Adelaide United again proved they can match it with the best team in the Hyundai A-League.
The Reds had their chances against the Sky Blues but could only muster five shots on target from 20 attempts.
Lapses in concentration saw the visitors concede two goals in six minutes, both of which were scored by Paulo Retre.
Riley McGree pulled a goal back when he guided James Troisi’s set-piece past Andrew Redmayne in goal.
“I think we had our chances today,” Verbeek said in the post-match press conference.
“Our team effort was very good, physically we were okay until the end of the game.
“We believed in getting at least a point, so I think we showed two times, the home game and now that we’re a tough opponent for Sydney.”
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With the Reds suffering four defeats in their previous five matches, the Dutchman attributed a lack of consistency during games as the reason behind their dip in form.
“What is frustrating is the last four or five games have not been stable,” he said.
“We play some parts in the game very good. We create our chances. We make our goals but we also give easy goals away again in set pieces – the corner.”
Verbeek confessed the only way of getting out of this rut was by improving all facets.
“We’ve to improve ourselves, the best part of the game, the first 10 to 15 minutes (against Sydney) I think we played very well,” he added.
“Then there was 15 minutes we didn’t play well, they scored two times. And the last part of the first-half was also good.
“I think we did everything what was possible to score the second goal and we were the better team in the second-half.
“And of course it’s getting more open because we’ve to take more risks and they get in the end some opportunities because they’ve quality up front.
“We did our best and I can’t blame my players for anything, but we’ve to learn from this game and until now I’ve not seen a better team than Sydney in this league.”
Adelaide United face Perth Glory in Round 14 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday, 11 January at HBF Park. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
