Marco Kurz believes Adelaide United has plenty of room for improvement from an attacking perspective, after recording a 2-1 pre-season friendly win over West Torrens Birkalla on Wednesday night.
The Reds, who admittedly were missing a few of their first-choice weapons in attack due to managing loads, at times found it difficult to break down a defensive Birkalla outfit.
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos confidently slotted a penalty to open the scoring but the Eagles replied after the re-start to restore parity.
However, in the 86th minute, Young Red, Carlo Armiento stepped up and scored a late winner with a beautifully taken finish.
Head Coach, Kurz, said facing Birkalla provided another physical test and while being largely content with what he saw, the German felt his side must be more incisive up front.
“I think it was a strong team Birkalla,” Kurz said after his team’s second match of pre-season.
“They played a defensive system and it was not so easy to create chances, also the boys were very physical in this attitude.
“But I think we did well in the build-up, but in the last third we didn’t create enough options or chances to score goals.
“I think after the penalty from AP (Apostolos Stamatelopoulos) it would be better but then they scored the equaliser.
“After the equaliser we had four or five good chances to score more goals and that’s not enough in this game.
“But until the end the young boys they came in and scored for the victory, sure the result is okay but we still have work to do to get a good performance in the FFA Cup.”
The former Schalke 04 defender added that his side is still heading in the right direction ahead of its FFA Cup clash with Central Coast Mariners in under a fortnight.
Kurz also revealed that he was impressed with several of the Young Reds who came on in the final 15 minutes against West Torrens.
“It’s not easy for the young boys because we play another system than the Youth Team,” he said.
“Also they played on the weekend and have to play on Wednesday but they did well yesterday and I’m happy because they adapt well in the short time.
“And maybe one of them will adapt good enough to be an alternative for our squad.”
Adelaide United host Central Coast Mariners in the Round of 32 of the FFA Cup 2018 on Wednesday, 1 August at Marden Sports Complex. Kick-off is at 7.00 PM ACST.
