Marco Kurz admits the outcome of the Westfield FFA Cup 2017 Final could have gone either way, following Adelaide United’s 2-1 extra-time defeat to Sydney FC on Tuesday night.
Miloš Ninković opened the scoring for the Sky Blues, before Nikola Mileusnic restored parity with a magnificent curling shot in the second stanza at Allianz Stadium.
But in the 111th minute Bobo’s header ensured Sydney would clinch the trophy.
“I think we started well with a big chance with Kitto after ten minutes,” he said reflecting on the game in the post-match press conference.
“And then after fifteen minutes Sydney had more of the control of the game in the first-half.
“But the second-half I think it was a very close game for both sides, we got the equaliser with a good moment from Niko (Mileusnic).
“I think in the first-half of overtime we had two big chances, but we did not have the luck for the victory.
“I’m very proud to be the coach of the boys, they did a very good job.”
Kurz also felt the foul awarded which allowed Adrian Mierzejewski to deliver a free-kick for Bobo to head home was harsh.
But the German tactician conceded his side still should have been tighter defensively.
“For me the free-kick for the second goal is not a free-kick, it’s a mistake but we must defend better,” he said.
“But you need luck in a final and I think you can win or lose, today we lost but tomorrow we stand up and look forward.”
Together. 🤝 Marco is rallying the troops and we're back at home this Sunday against Western Sydney. #AUFC #ForeverUnited
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— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 22, 2017
After Kitto’s great chance, the Reds had to negotiate a relentless spell of pressure from the hosts as they looked to exploit Adelaide’s right side.
And their resistance would be broken when Ninković was played in before calmly finishing past the impressive Paul Izzo.
Kurz said he will analyse the match to address any weaknesses, but said a lack of keeping the ball contributed to United being at times open at the back.
“I must watch the game with the team,” he said.
“And also we prepare the team for all the situations, we know this and after fifteen minutes we played two early long balls.
“It’s not our style, when we build up and play a possession game then we play good, but in this time we played two awful long balls.
“We didn’t have the control and then you must run more than you like and then we lost power and energy but Sydney is a good team.
“I think you cannot play against Sydney and they have no chances in the match, but I think we came back well in the second-half.”
Adelaide United host Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 8 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Sunday, 26 November at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 6.30pm ACDT.
