Coach Rini Coolen is not shying away from the criticism after Friday night’s heavy defeat to the Central Coast Mariners.
Coach Rini Coolen is not shying away from the criticism after Friday night-s heavy defeat to the Central Coast Mariners.
The morning after the Reds found themselves on the wrong side of a 4-0 score line, Coolen openly admitted he and the playing group carried the blame for the Reds- performance last Friday night and that it would be up to them to turn it around.
“We are responsible ourselves for what we are doing and our results – that-s the players and the coaching staff,” Coolen said.
“We take that responsibility…it-s up to the players, the football staff and to me because at the end of the day I-m the one responsible to change that.”
“It-s got nothing to do with what people say or write about us, it-s up to us to change it and we take that on board.”
“It-s a long season and I-m still confident that we can change it, we have to change it, and that-s my job.”
At the post match function after the Mariners game, Coolen said he was met by a host of disgruntled fans wanting to voice their concerns. As he has done from day one, he made himself available to speak and listen to them, and understands exactly where they are coming from and how passionate Reds supporters have proved themselves to be.
“I spoke with a lot of them (supporters) and it was actually a very good conversation,” Coolen said.
“We-re all in the same situation – we-re all very disappointed and I can understand that they are not happy with what they saw and I have that same feeling as the coach.”
“They were angry and there were reasons for that and we can understand that, and we spoke about how we can solve some problems and how we have to stick together to think positive.”
“It gives again confirmation that our supporters are very good, and we need them at the moment more than ever, but we know they-re always there and that gives us a good feeling because we now we have to do better for our supporters.”
“They deserve a lot more than what they get at the moment.”
While an open discussion is useful, Coolen knows the best and only way to regain favour with the United faithful is by putting together strong and character filled performances on the field, which more often than not will result in wins.
Leading up to Saturday-s match with Melbourne Victory, Coolen is hopeful of having Sergio van Dijk and Nigel Boogaard both available, while midfielder Dario Vidosic-s recovery from a back injury continues to be monitored daily.
“I prefer to stay positive and I still believe in all of our players, but it makes things easier when you have all those quality players available, it makes choices as a coach a lot easier and that-s what we have to work for,” Coolen said.
