Marco Kurz was impressed with how Adelaide United converted their opportunities into goals at key moments in their vital 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix.
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos scored a first-half brace after Michael Marrone broke the deadlock from a corner inside 10 minutes at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
However, despite being up 3-0 it was far from smooth sailing as Stamatelopoulos would get himself sent off for a reckless challenge a minute before half-time.
United had to show resilience and negotiate a barrage of Wellington pressure.
“It was a very effective first-half,” Kurz said, after the Reds scored three goals from crosses into the box.
“I think our game was not really good, our structure was not what we expected, but what was very good was the goal scoring.
“… In the end the result and the three points are very important and also a big compliment to the boys and to the fans.
“I think it was good support and the second-half was not really a football game for visitors but a good fight and we’re very happy with the three points.”
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The victory moves the Reds level on points with Wellington in fourth place with three matches remaining in the regular season.
Kurz was pleased that they managed to find the net at crucial times in the match.
“Today I’m very proud because we scored a goal in the right moments,” he said.
“And I think that’s a step in the right direction and now we’ve a chance to fight for the fourth place with three rounds until the end of the season.
“… And now we’re hungry to play a good game against (Melbourne) City.”
Kurz explained the tactical alterations he made at the interval following the red card.
“Our goal from the beginning was to press them high but you can’t when you play only with ten,” he said.
“Our decision was to play with four at the back, four in the midfield and one fast player with Ben Halloran and also to the left side with Craig Goodwin for the counter-attacks.
“It worked but I don’t need this kind of game every week.”
Adelaide United face Melbourne City in Round 25 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Saturday, 13 April at AAMI Park. Kick-off is at 5.05pm ACST. Live on Fox Sports, and streamed on the My Football Live App and Kayo Sports.
