Marco Kurz has praised Adelaide United supporters for their strong show of support following a dominant 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.
Michael Marrone picked out Johan Absalonsen for the second consecutive match, only this time, the Danish talisman headed in the right-back’s cross.
That goal proved decisive, occurring three minutes before the break. The hosts grabbed the ascendancy thereafter in front of 11,738 supporters – the highest attendance at Coopers Stadium this campaign.
In the 61st minute Adelaide’s advantage was doubled through an unlikely source – Ben Garuccio. The dynamic left-back got past his man and rifled an unstoppable shot into the top corner on a tight angle to bag his debut goal for the Club in his 57th match.
Two minutes later and the Reds’ lead became unassailable as Nathan Konstandopoulos dazzled his way past a defender to see his effort breach Wellington’s goal.
Kurz said he was pleased with the outcome of the game in Adelaide’s final regular season home match.
“We played for a big crowd, I think it’s 11,000 – it’s the biggest crowd (at Coopers Stadium this season),” he said in the post-match press conference.
“And compliments to the supporters, I think everybody loves to play at Hindmarsh for our fans.
“And if you can finish the home game with a win against a very good team, a strong team from Wellington then you’ll be happy.”
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The German was impressed with Konstandopoulos’ auspicious outing and described the overall team display as “disciplined”.
“Nathan (Konstandopoulos) is a very good player,” he explained.
“He played the last two games very good, confidence it’s a young player.
“I spoke with him a number of times and I said now you’re an A-League player, you’re not an NPL player.
“Show the experienced players in the league that you’re Nathan Konstandopoulos and I’m happy that he scored a goal.
“But the whole team performance was very good today.
“Very disciplined, focused, maybe not the best football we can play, but very strong in the duels and very serious, a good result and maybe the next step in our way to improve.”
Kurz also praised the phenomenal impact Absalonsen has made since his return from injury after scoring in three straight matches.
The Dane now has six league goals in nine matches for the Club.
“It’s a special player for this league,” he admitted.
“He’s experienced, he’s quality, he’s very fast, his left foot is maybe the best in the league and he’s clever.
“That’s a lot of reasons and he knows what he knows what he does on the pitch and for us it’s a big win for us that Johan is fit.”
Adelaide United face Sydney FC in Round 26 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Sunday, 8 April at Allianz Stadium. Kick-off is at 6.30pm ACDT.
