Gertjan Verbeek was left to rue Adelaide United’s missed chances after conceding a last-gasp goal to fall 2-1 against Melbourne Victory.
Kristian Opseth’s seventh minute opener was extinguished after half-time thanks to Marco Rojas and a 91st minute strike from Andrew Nabbout.
Verbeek said he saw some improvement from a defensive standpoint, but confessed his side are still coughing up too many opportunities to the opposition.
“In the first-half we had some defensive problems,” he said in the post-match press conference.
“We gave too much chances away but we were still leading, we also had our chances.
“Second-half the defence was better and still we got quite good chances, two times (we hit) the bar. And in both moments also in the last minute with (Mohamed) Toure we can decide the game in a positive way.
“But then in a counter attack they scored and it’s 2-1 and that’s sad, that’s a pity.”
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The Reds will remain in the top six regardless if Brisbane Roar beat Melbourne City this round, however Verbeek refused to be drawn into a finals discussion with pressure building.
The Dutchman claimed he was only taking it one game at a time and is optimistic he will have some of his players returning from respective injuries over the coming weeks.
“I’m focused on what to do for the next game,” he said.
“Hopefully we get some players back next week again and we have to get more stability.
“You see now the changes in the team and on my bench, we have problems with defensive players.
“Hopefully (Stefan) Mauk and (Ryan) Strain are present next week and hopefully the last few games we can play with all the players.
“The last few weeks we have had a lot of injured players.”
Adelaide United host Western United in Round 22 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday, 7 March at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACDT. Gates open at 1.00pm. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, ABC, Kayo Sports and the MyFootball Live App.
