Adelaide United coach Gertjan Verbeek says Reds need two more recruits before A-League opener
Adelaide United needs two more recruits before its A-League season-opener to ensure it can challenge for honours, new coach Gertjan Verbeek says.
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Gertjan Verbeek says Adelaide United needs two more recruits in the next 12 days to ensure it is equipped to challenge for honours this A-League campaign.
The Reds coach issued the plea to the club’s hierarchy as his team’s preparations for the October 11 season-opener against reigning champion Sydney FC entered the final push.
Verbeek had been heartened by United’s trio of signings and the emergence of several promising youngsters since he arrived in June.
But the Dutch manager said further reinforcements were required as kick-off approached, given seven players departed the SA outfit during the off-season.
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“We have to contract two players more,” said Verbeek, in an onstage interview at Adelaide’s season launch on Friday night.
“So we’re not ready for the season.
“We’ve trained a lot with the team members we have and we’ve done a good job.
“But we can still improve.
“We are waiting for the two players who are joining us next week or in the coming weeks.”
The Reds had brought homegrown talent Riley McGree back to the club, while adding Curacao international Michael Maria and Norwegian striker Kristian Opseth.
It followed the high-profile exits of captain Isaias and Socceroos winger Craig Goodwin.
Defender Scott Galloway, forwards Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, Baba Diawara and Ken Ilso, and loanee Jordy Thomassen also left.
Adelaide has one vacant visa spot remaining for an import.
Verbeek said the elevation of African-born teenager Al Hassan Toure, who had notched four goals in three FFA Cup games, was an example of the opportunities he would give to youth.
“When your left back or your left winger is injured or suspended … I don’t bring the right back to the left side and change everything,” the former FC Twente and Feyenoord boss said.
“No, the young kid gets his chance.
“He has to make minutes to improve himself and the chances he will get.”
Meanwhile, centre back Michael Jakobsen was confirmed as the Reds’ captain for the coming season.
The Dane, who had shone since joining from Melbourne City last year, has worn the armband throughout United’s FFA Cup campaign.