Marco Kurz says Adelaide United must assert their dominance against APIA Leichhardt in their FFA Cup 2018 Quarter Final clash on Wednesday.
The Reds will be aiming to make back-to-back semi-finals if they play to their potential.
Kurz said the objective is to advance to the last four of the competition but believes it will be a tough match and stressed his side must demonstrate why they are professionals.
“Our aim is to reach the semi-final and that’s the same as last season,” Kurz said.
“The cup season is in our pre-season and our aim is and was to reach each round and now we have a chance to reach the semi-finals.
“We know about the high quality from APIA and I think we’re ready for the game.”
The German admitted the hosts “have nothing to lose” and warned his side must approach the match as if they were playing a Hyundai A-League outfit.
“I think it’s always dangerous for an A-League teams to play against NPL teams,” he said.
“We’re the favourite, they’ve nothing to lose but we had a good warning, they beat Melbourne Victory in a strong and hard game.
“And we know what we have to do and I think it’s very important that we’ve a good attitude, the same as in an A-League game.
“And then I feel confident that we have a good chance to reach the next round but it means we need a perfect performance against APIA.”
Kurz confirmed striker, Baba Diawara, has been included in the travelling squad
The Senegalese talisman played the entire second-half in the 2-2 friendly clash against Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium last week.
“Baba (Diawara) is travelling with the team,” he revealed.
“He’s improved well, step by step everybody knows we must be very careful with Baba because of his injury history but he’s on a good way.
“Last week he played 45 minutes against a very strong team in Perth and he did well.
“Every player travelling is ready to start and now it’s up to me to find the right line-up for APIA.”
Adelaide United face APIA Leichhardt in the Quarter Finals of the FFA Cup 2018 on Wednesday, 26 September at Leichhardt Oval. Kick-off is at 7.00 PM ACST.
