Adelaide United Head Coach, Marco Kurz, revealed he will spend ample time analysing Melbourne Victory ahead of when the two rivals meet in the Westfield 2017 FFA Cup Round of 16.
The Reds advanced to the next stage of the knock-out competition following a narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets in the Round of 32 at Marden Sports Complex on Wednesday night.
A bullet header from defender, Michael Marrone, in the second stanza proved the difference after he nodded home Johan Absalonsen’s pin-point corner.
And following the draw for the Round of 16, United will now host old foes Melbourne in the next stage of Australia’s largest cup tournament.
Kurz revealed he is aware of the intense rivalry between the Reds and Melbourne since arriving in June, but is still largely unfamiliar of Kevin Muscat’s men.
“I’ve heard about the rivalry,” he admitted. “But I don’t know much about the team in this moment.”
It will be the second time Adelaide face Melbourne in the Westfield FFA Cup, after playing them in the 2015 quarter finals at AAMI Park.
The Reds lost 3-1 on that occasion and will be hoping their fortunes change this time around.
The German tactician said he will begin studying the Victory’s playing style to give the Club the best possible chance of qualifying for the quarter finals.
“I think in the next one or two weeks I’ll see a lot of games from Melbourne,” he said.
“And we’ll prepare well to play a good game at home in order to reach the next round.”
