Daniel Adlung believes “learning from our mistakes” will help propel Adelaide United into the winner’s circle against Central Coast Mariners on Thursday night.
Adelaide come into the clash having lost three consecutive games and will be desperate their fortunes change, in readiness for the Westfield FFA Cup Final next week as well.
Last weekend, the Reds suffered a 2-1 home loss to pace-setters Newcastle Jets on Saturday, while Paul Okon’s men beat Sydney FC 2-0 in Gosford.
Adlung warned his side would need to be well-organised and defensively sound to contain the Mariners’ possession-based style.
“We have to stay compact first, that’s our aim for tomorrow and we trained the whole week,” he said.
“I think we are prepared and we have to go back to the basics and we have lost three games in a row and it’s important to make a good game and get our confidence back.
“It will be a tough game and we can beat them for sure.”
Last week it was Baba. This week @GlmErsan is back in the 18-man squad! #AUFC #CCMvADL #ForeverUnited
📰 Read: https://t.co/sBzZxvRphn pic.twitter.com/5tYQWEv36F
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 15, 2017
Adelaide have yet to record a clean sheet this season and Marco Kurz’s men will be bolstered by the return of centre-back Ersan Gülüm.
Adlung praised the Australian-born Turkish international’s qualities and pedigree he brings to the team.
“He’s a very important player for us and we have lost a lot of experienced players and important players (to injury),” Adlung said, who has started all six league games this campaign.
“So Ersan is back and hopefully he can play and help us to win again.
“He trained very hard and his injury was not easy for him and he had to take care of his lung and his rib.
“But now he’s ready for the game and he trained for the game and he’s ready for tomorrow.”
While the Reds are solely focused on securing the three points on Thursday, Adlung admitted a win would be ideal to build some momentum ahead of the Westfield FFA Cup Final.
“I think now it’s a good moment to start again,” he said.
“We lost three games and in these game we could have also won but I hope we learn from our mistakes and start to win again.
“It’s very important for us tomorrow this game and also for the Cup final on Tuesday to get a better feeling and that’s why I think it’s very important.”
Team news
Aforementioned, Gülüm has been named in the squad after recovering from a punctured lung, while Lachlan Brook has also been promoted. However, Johan Absalonsen, Vince Lia, Taylor Regan, Jordan O’Doherty, and Tarek Elrich remain ruled out with respective injuries.
Last five meetings
2-3 win @ Central Coast Stadium
2-1 loss @ GIO Stadium Canberra
1-2 loss @ Coopers Stadium
4-2 win @ Coopers Stadium
2-3 win @ Central Coast Stadium
Adelaide United will face Central Coast Mariners in Round 7 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Thursday, 16 November at Central Coast Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
