Marco Kurz insists his Adelaide United players are focused on the task at hand when they tackle ladder leaders Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.
The Reds are back in action following the week-off and are without a win in four matches with the squad well aware of what is required to cement a Finals berth.
Adelaide currently sit equal fourth on the table and five points clear of seventh-placed Newcastle Jets.
Perth, meanwhile, have experienced just one defeat this campaign, but have drawn their last two matches.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Kurz praised Perth’s strengths, but equally believed his side could take confidence from their most recent encounter back in January.
The Reds frustrated the hosts that night, implementing a high-pressing game on their way to a 0-0 draw.
“They’re a top team and have played the whole season very strong and at a high level,” Kurz told reporters.
“The tactical line-up is very compact. They play with five at the back with two very offensive wingbacks, maybe more offensive on the left side.
“They’ve a lot of good movements in the offense and fast players that wait for the right moment.
“But I think our experience against them in Perth in Round 14, we played a very good game and made a lot of pressure and that’s the way you’ve to play against them.”
Nikola Mileusnić and Michael Jakobsen are back while George Blackwood and Daniel Marguš are on Socceroos U23 duty. #AUFC #ADLvPER
📰 Read more: https://t.co/mTU481c37d pic.twitter.com/pScGMkSjDF
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) March 14, 2019
The German said his team is primed and ready and stressed they cannot afford to make mistakes against the table-toppers otherwise they will be punished.
“The team is fit, confident and it will be hard work but I always feel confident and have the belief in my boys,” he said.
“You’ve to know you cannot make big mistakes because they’ve the quality to score goals with only one or two chances.
“I know we’ve not had the quality that we can play, but the last two weeks we’ve trained well and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
“The group is focused and we’ve a clear aim and we know that we must do good work in the next six games to reach our goal.”
Defender, Michael Jakobsen, and winger, Nikola Mileusnić, are both available for selection after returning from respective injuries.
Kurz admitted he was delighted to welcome the pair back into fray.
“It’s very good to know that they’re back,” he said.
“I think all injured players are working hard for their comebacks and the only two players that are now available for tomorrow (from the injured group) is (Michael) Jakobsen and Nikola (Mileusnić), and I’m happy that Nikola is back and I have another solution in the offensive positions.
“It’s good to know that we’ve him back but he also needs time to get back to his previous level.”
Adelaide United host Perth in Round 22 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Friday, 15 March at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT. Gates open 6.20pm.
