Marco Kurz believes a lack of ruthlessness in the final third prevented Adelaide United from claiming all three points against Sydney FC on Friday night.
The Reds played out a 1-1 draw with the Sky Blues in the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season opener at Coopers Stadium.
Playing his first league match as a Red, Scott Galloway opened the scoring with a wonderful curling effort from outside the box.
Kurz admitted he was overall pleased with the team’s performance but felt they lacked the execution with the final pass in the last third.
“I think we played a very good first-half,” Kurz told reporters at the post-match press conference.
“We had control of the game, we had good pressure on the ball and Sydney didn’t create chances and we scored the first goal.”
Adam Le Fondre equalised with a clever finish on debut for the visitors after the break, to deny United the win.
“In the second-half I think if we’re to beat Sydney you must score two goals,” Kurz lamented.
“And we missed maybe the last pass, the last consequence and the finishing.
“Goodwin and Halloran had good chances but it was not too bad, and the equaliser, you saw the quality from Sydney.”
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The German revealed his plan from the outset was to employ a high pressing game and block Sydney’s passing lanes in midfield.
“I think if you play against Sydney you cannot drop back and only go into a defensive mode,” he said.
“You must believe and go in and high press and we did this.
“We pressed their centre-backs with our wingers and both full-backs were ready to close their offensive full-backs.
“But as I said you must score more than one goal, but I think from our side it was a very good game and we can improve.”
Kurz also reserved praise for Ryan Strain, who operated on the right wing for the first 80 minutes before dropping back to his traditional full-back role.
The 49-year-old praised the youngster’s versatility.
“I think Strainy and the whole team played very well,” he said.
“Strainy is a talent, he can play on the right or left side as a full-back, he can play as a left or right winger, he can play as a six (defensive midfielder).
“He’s an instinctive footballer and I’m happy he’s in our squad and his game was very good today.”
Adelaide United host Newcastle Jets in Round 2 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Friday, 26 October at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports.
