Kurz lauds Adelaide attitude after overcoming Mariners hurdle

Marco Kurz believes Adelaide have passed a significant test of character after the club's last-gasp victory over Central Coast Mariners on Sunday evening.

The Reds - who have won just three matches at Coopers Stadium this campaign - were heading towards a frustrating home ground stalemate until George Blackwood's winner in the second minute of injury time.

Adelaide trailed at the end of the opening half following Andrew Hoole’s superb strike, and, having played six games in 22 days, Kurz thought his players were starting to wilt under the pressure.

However, the manner of Adelaide’s comeback has the German boss hailing the attitude of his charges.

“It was the first time I think the team felt a little bit of pressure,” he said.

“You saw it at the beginning, plus they looked tired. We did a couple of easy mistakes but we had three big chances at the end of the first half and they shot one time on our goal and scored.

“But at the end it was very important and I’m very proud of the boys about their attitude. At the end it was very important to jump over the hurdle. It was very important.

“I think the second half with a lot of pressure and a lot of belief, not every situation we played perfect but we created chances and we saw it [through] until the end.”

TEAM OF THE WEEK: Check who made the cut for Round 16
ROUND 16: Keogh and Kilkenny on target as Glory rediscover mojo against Newcastle
ROUND 16: Blackwood hits stoppage-time winner to break Central Coast hearts
ROUND 16: Toivonen’s sublime free-kick sparks Victory to claim Big Blue bragging rights


Adelaide’s ability to fight back from a half time deficit at home is becoming something of a trend.

The Reds have now managed to avoid defeat in three of their last four Hyundai A-League matches at Coopers Stadium when trailing at the interval.

Kurz’s emphasis on physical preparation could likely be a factor in this resilience, and one which has seen United remain firmly in the top-four frame having navigated a tricky January schedule.

“It's my job to prepare the team for this situation,” he said.

“We know it before the season, that meant we trained harder in pre-season and as well in the season.

“At the end you saw today I think we have more power and that was one maybe little key for the win.”

ROUND 16: Williams strike and Kurto heroics lead Phoenix to tense win over City
ROUND 16: Taggart steals Brisbane a point in stunning injury-time heist
WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE

New free to air banner
Visit page
This article was originally published on the Hyundai A-League website.
Close