Marco Kurz believes Central Coast Mariners will be a difficult proposition following their recent change at the helm.
Adelaide United face a rejuvenated Central Coast side in Gosford on Sunday after Alen Stajcic was appointed head coach on an interim basis a few weeks ago.
His arrival coincided with the Mariners’ first win in nine games – a 3-2 victory over rival Newcastle Jets.
Goody's goals in Gosford ensured a good result against Mariners on a good day out last time on the Central Coast. Good stuff. 👍 Kick-off 4:30pm ACDT on Sunday. #AUFC #CCMvADL
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— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) March 28, 2019
“When a club change the manager it’s always not easy to play against,” Kurz explained to reporters at a pre-match press conference.
“Because they’ve now had two weeks training under a new manager and we don’t really know what they expect to do and which tactical line-up they’ll start.
“Also, they had a good result in the last game and that means they feel more comfortable.
“But in the end, I think now it’s very important that the main focus is on our game.
“I expect a strong Central Coast team, (Matt) Simon will be back (Aiden) O’Neill is back from the U23s, (Andrew) Hoole is back from the team suspension and most of their players are available.
“And everybody now has a new chance to show their quality and that’s not easy for us as an opponent.”
Adelaide are without a win in five matches and are scoreless in their previous three. However, United have been buoyed by the return of a couple of key players for this weekend’s game.
Ben Halloran, George Blackwood and Daniel Marguš all return to the extended squad. #AUFC #CCMvADL
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— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) March 28, 2019
Kurz elaborated on Ben Halloran’s inclusion in the extended 18-man squad after returning from an ankle injury which saw the 26-year-old miss the last six matches.
“Benny (Ben Halloran) is in the 18-player squad,” he said.
“He trained the last eight or nine days with the team and he’s one of the players that’s available and is an option for the squad.”
George Blackwood and Daniel Marguš are also available for selection after arriving in Adelaide on Thursday from Australia U23 duty.
Having last played a fortnight ago due to the international break, Kurz said the team had a few days away from football to relax.
He added that his players are completely focused on the task at hand – cementing a Finals berth heading into the point end of the season.
“The group knows we need good results in the future to make finals,” he continued.
“I think it was good last week that we had a three-day break and then re-started on Tuesday and the whole week, the training sessions the focus was high and the boys are ready.”
Adelaide United face Central Coast Mariners in Round 23 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Sunday, 31 March at Central Coast Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACDT. Live on Fox Sports, and streamed on the My Football Live App and Kayo Sports.
