Adelaide United Youth centre-back, Jared Clark, believes the Young Reds must be “smarter” when it comes to breaking down opposition defences.
Adelaide slumped to a fourth straight loss, going down 3-1 to Raiders last round and will need to improve when they meet Adelaide Olympic on Saturday night.
Clark felt the team had been playing well in the middle of the park but lamented they have struggled at either end of the field.
“I think overall in the past four games our football has been pretty good,” he said.
“But I think it’s just in that final third we’re not getting that final ball in, and defensively we’ve been lacking a bit.”
He added the only way to overcome the disappointing run of results was through hard work.
“I think as a team collectively we’re obviously not happy with four straight defeats, but I think it’s not just down to the forwards or midfielders or defenders,” he continued.
“But more for all of us to get behind each other and come out of this rut.”
Of late, the Young Reds have found it difficult to create chances and ultimately score goals, having netted just three in their previous four matches.
Adelaide at times have lacked a bit of cohesiveness in attack and have found it tough to penetrate teams that are content with sitting deep and defending.
Clark said moving forward they will need to slightly tweak their tactics going forward.
“We probably prefer if teams came and pressed us a bit,” he said.
“But maybe going off last season as well teams are getting smarter and they’re sitting off.
“So I think we need to also be smarter as well, hold possession and keep it while we can and pull their defenders out to create space in behind for our attackers.”
Olympic thumped South Adelaide 5-1 in Round 11 and currently lie in sixth spot on the table.
Clark knows it will be a battle to get the win but was confident their fortunes would turn.
“I think like every game in this league, a tough game,” he stated.
“All the teams are really good and Olympic won’t be any different.
“We’re looking to get the three points and get out of this period of defeats.”
Adelaide United Youth face Adelaide Olympic in Round 12 of the National Premier League 2019 season on Saturday, 1 June at VALO Football Centre – The Parks. Kick-off is at 7.00 PM. Reserves kick-off at 4.45pm.
