Carl Veart spoke to the media following Adelaide United’s 3-2 defeat to Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.
Despite a brace from Archie Goodwin, the Reds were left to rue missed chances and another late goal that proved costly. The result extends United’s winless run to seven games, leaving the Finals equation delicately poised with four matches remaining.
Here’s what Veart had to say following the match…
Veart on the performance against Sydney FC…
“The boys worked extremely hard today, played some really good stuff as well. We just haven’t taken our opportunities when we’ve created some really good ones. And then defensively, we conceded some soft goals.”
Veart on giving Max Vartuli his club debut in goal…
“Max responded exceptionally well. Made some really good saves and was very good with his feet. It was a big game to put him in—against his old club—but I think he did well. He deserved the opportunity. He’s been training really well.”
Veart on his coaching vision and developing youth…
“I always want to win—there’s no secret there. But there’s also no secret that since I’ve been here, we’ve put a big focus on providing a pathway for young South Australian players. We’ve had a lot of success doing that, and the club has benefitted both on and off the field.”
Veart on late goals and defensive issues…
“Yes, we can look at the goal and break it down and say we’ve made a mistake and followed it with another. That’s been our issue—mistakes compounding. We’ve worked a lot on our defensive structure, but we need to be better at fixing the first mistake before it leads to more.”
Veart on missed chances and positives from the match…
“Goals change matches. We had good opportunities early and didn’t take them. After conceding the first goal, we responded really well and got ourselves back into the game. Even in the second half, I thought we were the team that was going to go on and win.”
Veart on Javi López’s return…
“Javi gives everything he’s got. He’s been a fabulous leader for our young boys and shows them what hard work looks like. Even though he hasn’t played much recently, he stepped in and helped settle things tonight.”
Veart on Yaya Dukuly’s impact off the bench…
“He had that opportunity to start a few weeks ago, but his impact wasn’t the same. He’s still building and learning how to bring that same energy from the start of games. But we know how dangerous he can be.”
Veart on Jonny Yull’s growth…
“Jonny is one of the best young players in the country for his age. He just needed belief. That goal last week has helped, and we’re starting to see him take that next step, which is exciting.”
Veart on Archie Goodwin’s goal-scoring form…
“Archie works extremely hard. He’s never played this much football in his life, but he’s scoring goals and getting the rewards. He could’ve had a few more tonight. It’s great to see.”
Veart on the top-four race and belief in his squad…
“We still haven’t given up hope for top four. It’s tight at the top. If we win three or four of these last four games, we’ll be right in the mix. The boys are still working hard. We just need to believe and keep pushing.”
