Marco Kurz hailed Adelaide United’s application following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday night.
The Reds were up against it for much of the evening, having to dig in defensively.
Nikola Mileusnić and Craig Goodwin were on target for the visitors in the victory as Adelaide climbed to equal fourth on the table with Wellington Phoenix.
Kurz lauded his players’ character after acknowledging the short turnaround between matches and the stifling weather conditions they have had to contend with.
“We’re very happy with the win,” Kurz told reporters in the post-match press conference.
“It’s always hard to play in Newcastle and also against Newcastle because the offensive style from them is very good – maybe the best in the league.
“Also our break was not very big, we played four days ago.
“We travelled to Newcastle and also the temperatures in the last game and today as well was very hard for the boys and we’re very happy, with a bit of game luck as well, we got the win.
“And I’m very proud of the performance and also the three points.”
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Kurz admitted he felt the first period was a much more even contest, but said his side also experienced a bit of luck to remain in the game after Newcastle had a plethora of opportunities – particularly after the break.
He added the match would have been somewhat different had they made it 2-0 just beyond the 60th minute.
“I think in the first-half it was very close the game,” he said.
“Both sides had a couple of good chances but we scored the goal.
“And in the second-half we had a big chance in the 63rd minute to score the second goal with Goodwin.
“And I think you must score two goals to have more space until the end of the game and then it’s normal that Newcastle made pressure on our goal.
“But we always had options by the counter-attack and the defending was good.”
The German also singled out Paul Izzo for his stunning display in goal, pulling off several vital saves to keep Adelaide alive.
“Paul (Izzo) for us is a very important player,” he said.
“The saves were very important for us and from him and the whole team it was a very good performance.”
Adelaide United host Wellington Phoenix in Round 11 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Saturday, 5 January at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.05pm ACDT. Gates open 4.05pm.
